EP1018047A1 - Switch for optical fibres - Google Patents

Switch for optical fibres

Info

Publication number
EP1018047A1
EP1018047A1 EP98945365A EP98945365A EP1018047A1 EP 1018047 A1 EP1018047 A1 EP 1018047A1 EP 98945365 A EP98945365 A EP 98945365A EP 98945365 A EP98945365 A EP 98945365A EP 1018047 A1 EP1018047 A1 EP 1018047A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fiber
mobile
opto
permanent magnet
mechanical switch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98945365A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alain Gentric
Philippe Gravey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Orange SA
Original Assignee
France Telecom SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by France Telecom SA filed Critical France Telecom SA
Publication of EP1018047A1 publication Critical patent/EP1018047A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/3502—Optical coupling means having switching means involving direct waveguide displacement, e.g. cantilever type waveguide displacement involving waveguide bending, or displacing an interposed waveguide between stationary waveguides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/354—Switching arrangements, i.e. number of input/output ports and interconnection types
    • G02B6/3544—2D constellations, i.e. with switching elements and switched beams located in a plane
    • G02B6/3546—NxM switch, i.e. a regular array of switches elements of matrix type constellation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/3564—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details
    • G02B6/3568—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details characterised by the actuating force
    • G02B6/3572—Magnetic force

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of optical telecommunications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a switch for bistable or multistable optical fibers with magnetic hold.
  • the passage from one configuration to another is controlled by an electromagnet formed by a magnetic core and a coil wound around this core.
  • At least one permanent magnet, integral with the reflector, interacts magnetically with the core of the electromagnet to switch the reflector from one configuration to another, each of the three fibers remaining fixed.
  • two permanent magnets form a rigid assembly movable in axial rotation relative to the electromagnet and arranged near one of the two ends of the core, here cylindrical.
  • the two magnets are oriented so as to present, opposite this end, active magnetic faces of opposite polarities and intended to interact magnetically with the end of the core.
  • the two magnets are arranged on either side of the axis of rotation of the assembly. This axis of rotation is perpendicular to the axis of the core and offset from it.
  • One of the magnets interacts with the face perpendicular to the axis of the nucleus.
  • the other magnet interacts with a lateral portion of the core, parallel to the axis of the latter. In this type of device the fibers are still fixed.
  • optical reflector switches have the drawback of requiring the use of costly precision elements, namely collimators and optical deflection means such as mirrors or prisms. Also, has it been sought to design devices which use only optical guide means with direct connection between optical fibers.
  • the document FR 2 580 086 (1985) describes a switch comprising a fixed electromagnet, the cylindrical core of which is provided with an axial bore, and a non-magnetic element capable of sliding in this bore.
  • This non-magnetic element carries, at each of its two ends, a permanent magnet.
  • the two permanent magnets have an identical polarity face opposite the core.
  • a mobile optical fiber passes axially through the non-magnetic element and is made integral with the latter.
  • the electromagnet controls axial displacements of one end of the mobile fiber to put it in continuity with the end of a fixed fiber.
  • Patent FR 2 639 128 (1988) proposes an improved version of the previous device, in the form of a modular component, with a switching capacity (1: N), that is to say where a signal coming from a first fiber can be transmitted to a second fiber among N.
  • This device can be used as a switch (1: m), with 1 ⁇ m ⁇ N, as required, without dismantling the entire component.
  • a radial arm rotates about an axis.
  • One end of a first mobile fiber is placed at one end of this arm in the plane of rotation of the arm, and perpendicular to the latter.
  • the switching is done by a rotational movement of the end of the first mobile fiber.
  • this first fiber mobile establishes an optical link respectively with a second or a third fixed fiber
  • Each of these two fixed fibers is wedged longitudinally at the bottom of the same V-shaped grooves, as those in which the mobile fiber is wedged
  • the movement of the mobile fiber, in the one or the other of the grooves is done by polarizing magnetically differently, a magnetic material, plated on an area of the mobile fiber opposite a coil
  • the mobile fiber is attracted in the one of the grooves, by a permanent magnet
  • the polarization of the material, on the mobile fiber is reversed and this is then moved and maintained in the other gor
  • plating with a magnetically polansable material tends to deform the optical fiber and therefore to increase the insertion losses.
  • the subject of the present invention is a robust bistable or multistable switch, of reliable and energy-saving operation, of simple construction and at an advantageous price, with insertion losses of less than 0.5 dB.
  • the invention is an opto-mechanical fiber optic switch, bistable or multistable comprising: - at least one optical fiber movable relative to at least one fixed optical fiber,
  • the opto-mechanical switch according to the invention comprises a housing made up of two guide elements.
  • Each guide element being in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with at least one V-groove and at least one cavity intended to guide the permanent magnet in a movement perpendicular to said V-groove
  • control means are mechanical or comprise an electromagnetic circuit.
  • said housing is pierced with at least one orifice allowing the viewing of the interval separating each mobile fiber from each fixed fiber.
  • the magnetic holding means are formed of metal pellets.
  • Such a device can be combined with other devices of the same type to form more complex switching arrays.
  • a multistable optical selector allowing switching between at least one mobile fiber and at least two fixed fibers, can be designed so that the switching of each mobile fiber to one of the fixed fibers is carried out by means of a opto-mechanical device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an opto-mechanical switch (1: 2), according to the invention, with electromagnetic control means,
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the two optical fiber guide elements, of a housing of an opto-mechanical switch
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal constitution of the optical switch shown in FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view, housing partially removed, of the optical switch shown in FIG. 1, showing the possibility of adjusting the spacing between the fibers,
  • FIG. 5 is a synopsis of the control operations of a switch (1: 2) according to the invention.
  • FIG. 6 relates to an opto-mechanical switch (1: 2) according to the invention, with mechanical control means, Figures 6a and
  • FIGS. 6c are longitudinal sections ll-ll of said device in the two switching states
  • FIGS. 6b and 6d are transverse sections ll of the same device in the two switching states
  • FIG. 6e is a top view of said device
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially removed housing, of an opto-mechanical switch (1: 2), with four channels, according to the invention, with an electromagnetic control system and with four permanent magnets,
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partially removed housing, of an opto-mechanical switch (1: 2), eight-way, according to the invention, with an electromagnetic control system with a permanent magnet common to all mobile fibers,
  • FIG. 9 shows opto-mechanical switches with a permanent magnet model with guide slots for mobile fibers
  • Figure 9a is a perspective view of a switch (1: 2), according to the invention, with a electromagnetic control means
  • Figure 9b shows an exploded perspective view and a sectional view of a switch (1: 2) with a magnet with slot
  • FIG. 9c is a perspective view, housing partially removed, of a switch (1: 2) with four channels, with a permanent magnet with slot
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a selector (1: 8) according to the invention.
  • FIG. 11 shows three types of switching matrices.
  • (1: 2) according to the invention. It comprises a housing 10, a stator 30 and a winding 40. It establishes a switching between a mobile fiber 51 and one respectively of the two fixed fibers 50 and 52.
  • the housing 10 comprises two guide elements 11 and 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each guide element 11 or 12 is an elongated rectangular parallelepiped block with a V-groove 14, an orifice 15 and a cavity 16. In a system axes (O, x, y, z) orthogonal, the groove 14 extends parallel to the axis Ox on a longitudinal face 13. The orifice 15 and the cavity 16 pass through each guide element 11 or 12, in its middle region, respectively parallel to Oy and Oz, right through.
  • each guide element 11 or 12 forms an equilateral triangle in which can be inscribed a circle of diameter equal to that of a bare fiber 50, 51 or 52.
  • the orifice 15 is a semi-cylinder of revolution.
  • the axis of this orifice 15 is contained in the plane defined by the longitudinal face 13. This orifice 15 therefore transversely cuts the groove 14.
  • the cavity 16 is a cylinder of revolution around an axis centered with respect to the width of the face 13.
  • the diameter of the cavity 16 is adapted to receive a permanent magnet 20 with just the necessary and sufficient clearance for the magnet 20 to slide freely in the cavity 16, parallel to Oz (FIG. 3).
  • the permanent magnet 20 is a cylinder of revolution with two plane faces orthogonal to its axis of revolution. In its middle part, it is pierced with a hole 21.
  • This hole 21 is also cylindrical, of revolution, and its axis cuts perpendicularly to that of the permanent magnet 20.
  • This hole 21 has a diameter greater than the external diameter of a bare fiber 51, so as to leave a clearance between said fiber 52 and the internal wall of said hole 21.
  • One 51 of these fibers is intended to be mobile in the housing 10.
  • a tube 54 of internal diameter complementary to the external diameter of the mobile fiber 51 is threaded thereon.
  • the external diameter of this tube 54 is such that when it is placed in the groove 14, its axis, coincident with that of the movable fiber 51, is contained in the plane defined by the longitudinal face 13.
  • the permanent magnet 20 is also threaded on this mobile fiber 51, through the hole 21.
  • the permanent magnet 20 is placed near one 55 of the free ends of the mobile fiber 51, leaving the terminal part of this end 55 emerging.
  • the mobile fiber 51 is then placed in the groove 14 of the guide element 11, with the permanent magnet 20 in the cavity 16, the axes of the permanent magnet 20 and the cavity 16 being coincident.
  • a space on the movable fiber 51 is provided between the permanent magnet 20 and the nearest end of the tube 54, so as to take advantage of the flexibility of the fiber 51 to move it between the grooves 14 when they are in screw opposite. However, this end of the tube 54 must also rest in the groove 14. The free end 55 of the movable fiber 51 is brought close to the axis of the orifice 15.
  • a first fixed fiber 50 is brought into the groove 14 of the guide element 11, in extension of the movable fiber 51, with one of its free ends close to the axis of the orifice 15.
  • a second fiber fixed 52 is placed parallel to the first fixed fiber 50 in line with the latter, in the direction Oz, one of its free ends aligned with the free end of the first fixed fiber 50 located in the orifice 15.
  • the guide element 12 is then brought to the guide element
  • the control means comprise an electromagnetic circuit, with a stator 30 and a winding 40.
  • the stator 30 comprises two elements 31 and 32 of the stator.
  • Each stator element 31 or 32 is formed of a rigid plate, of smaller width, in the direction Oy, to the dimension of the guide elements 11 or 12. Preferably, this width is approximately equal to the diameter of the permanent magnet 20 .
  • the stator elements 31 and 32 are bent in an L shape, they therefore each have two branches, one is parallel to the axis Ox, the other is parallel to the axis Oz.
  • each stator element 31 or 32 The free ends of the branches parallel to Ox, of each stator element 31 or 32 are provided with a metal pad 33 or 34.
  • Each metal pad 33 or 34 is in the form of a disc whose axis is perpendicular to the surface of the stator element 31 or 32, parallel to the Ox axis. The diameter of this disc is approximately equal to the diameter of the permanent magnet 20, and complementary to that of the cavity 16.
  • the branch parallel to Oz of the element 32 of the stator 30 is provided with a notch 36, centered on the edge of the free end of the element 32, opposite to that provided with the metal pad 34.
  • the width of the the notch 36 is approximately equal to the external diameter of the tube 54.
  • the depth of the notch 36 is slightly greater than this diameter.
  • the branch parallel to Oz of the element 31 of the stator 30 is provided with a tooth 35 made of material, centered on the edge of the free end of said element 31, opposite to that provided with the pad 34.
  • the width of the tooth 35 is complementary to that of the notch 36. Its length is complementary to the external diameter of the tube 34, in the notch 36.
  • the stator element 31 is pressed against the guide element 11, so as to partially cover the two orthogonal faces, parallel to the planes xOy and yOz, on the side of the housing 10 containing the movable fiber 51.
  • the stator element 32 is pressed against the guide element 12 symmetrically with respect to the xOy plane, to the stator element 31.
  • the lengths of the branches of the stator elements 31 and 32, provided respectively with metal pads 33 and 34, are such that said pads 33 and 34 come facing the cavity 16.
  • a conductive element is then wound around the stator 30, around the axis Ox, to form the winding 40.
  • the stator connects the metal pads 33 or 34 and thus allows the closure of the magnetic flux.
  • the passage of an electric current in the winding 40 generates, in the direction of the latter, the north-south polarities of the fluxes in the branches of the stator 30.
  • One of the two poles of the permanent magnet 20 is attracted by the 'one of the pads 33, 34.
  • the face of the magnet 20 corresponding to this pole, and perpendicular to the axis of said magnet 20 is located near said pad 33, 34.
  • the length of the permanent magnet 20 is such that a slight air gap is provided between the magnet 20 and said pad 33, 34.
  • the stator can also have a different angular position relative to the housing 10. It can be rotated 90 ° around an axis parallel to Ox, relative to the position described above, the metal pads 33 or 34 remaining in the same place on their respective axis and common to the permanent magnet 20.
  • a metal package having the function of obtaining a better efficiency of capturing the magnetic flux, can be placed around the housing 10, stator 30 and winding 40 assembly, but is not shown in the figures. These are the metal pads 33 and 34 which, by attraction of the permanent magnet 20, provide the magnetic retaining means with memory.
  • the orifice 15 has the function of allowing dynamic adjustment of the spacing of the connection between, respectively, the end of the mobile fiber 51 and the ends of the fixed fibers 50 and 52 when the mobile fiber 51 is placed in coaxiality with the 'one of the two fixed fibers 50 or 52.
  • This spacing between the free end of the fibers also called “gap" must be of the order of 2 to 3 ⁇ m. It is a variable on which we can intervene in order to obtain a better balance sheet of the links and a reduction in insertion losses.
  • the adjustment of this spacing is carried out under a binocular microscope 60, possibly provided with a control screen, through the orifice 15.
  • FIG. 4a, 4b and 4c are representations of the views that one can have of the ends of the fibers 50, 51, 52, through the orifice 15 thanks to the binocular microscope 60.
  • the mobile fiber 51 is in coaxiality with the fixed fiber 52.
  • the mobile fiber 51 is in coaxiality with the fixed fiber 50.
  • the mobile fiber 51 is in coaxiality with the fixed fiber 50, but with a spacing between their ends different from that shown in FIG. 4b. The adjustment of this spacing is carried out by translation of the movable fiber 51 or one of the fixed fibers 50 or 52, in the grooves 14, along the axis of said optical fibers 50, 51, 52.
  • the orifice 15 may be polygonal, as well as the cavity 16 and the permanent magnet 20.
  • the orifice 15 is also optional. We can still consider other variants.
  • the permanent magnet 20 In an initial position, the permanent magnet 20 is attracted by one of the metal pads 33 or 34. A slight air gap e is provided between the magnet 20 and the nearest metal pad 33 or 34. This force d attraction f (e) is transmitted to the mobile fiber 51 which is then kept pressed against the bottom of the V-groove 14. The permanent magnet 20 is thus in a stable state. This state does not consume energy, the quantity of magnetic flux contained in the permanent magnet 20 sufficient for this stable maintenance. To release it from this stable position, a voltage pulse + u is required at the terminals of the winding 40, capable of repelling the polarity which attracted the closest metallic pad 33 or 34, to put itself in the stable position of maintaining in another state. . The permanent magnet 20 can only react by opposing the holding force.
  • a bad voltage confirms his condition without making him change position. This constitutes a guarantee which becomes important when dealing with safety circuits or special switch paths.
  • the permanent magnet 20 With a voltage u of suitable polarity, the permanent magnet 20 is pushed back from the nearest pad 33 or 34, to approach the other pad 34 or 33. In this new position, the permanent magnet 20 is always separated from the metal patch 34 or 33, by a slight air gap e. The permanent magnet 20 then transmits a force f (e) to the mobile fiber 51 and keeps it pressed against the bottom of the groove 14. This new position is as stable as the first. The voltage pulse necessary for the shuttle movement of the permanent magnet 20 being completed, the movable fiber 51 is maintained in this position without consuming energy.
  • the switch 1 therefore takes an optical switch position at 0 or 1, as a function of the control voltage + u at the terminals of the winding 40.
  • This control voltage + u is itself in agreement with the digitized information of a control member 70.
  • This transmission of information from the control member 70 to the switch 1 is schematically represented in FIG. 5.
  • the control means are mechanical.
  • This type of opto-mechanical switch 100 is shown in FIG. 6.
  • the housing 110 is slightly modified compared to the housing 10 previously described.
  • the housing 110 is provided with supports 118, 119.
  • the supports 118, 119 are protrusions made of material, extending radially perpendicular to the plane xOy, at the ends of elements guide 111, 112, on the side of a movable fiber 151.
  • To each of these supports 118, 119 is fixed the end of a flexible blade 138, 139.
  • the other free end of each of these blades 138, 139 is provided with metal pellets 133, 134 similar to the metallic pellets 33, 34 previously described.
  • a stirrup 137 connects said free ends of these blades 138, 139 and makes it possible to maintain constant, the distance between the metal pellets 133 and 134.
  • a permanent magnet 120 is maintained in a stable position, close to the metallic pad 133.
  • FIG. 6b shows that in this position, the mobile fiber 151 is pressed into the bottom of a groove 114, in coaxiality with a fixed fiber 150.
  • the metal pad 134 is approached to the permanent magnet 120.
  • the airgaps then reverse and the magnet is attracted close of the metal pellet 134 where it again remains in a stable position.
  • FIG. 6d in particular shows that, in this new position, the mobile fiber 151 is maintained in coaxiality with the fixed fiber 152.
  • an orifice 115 for adjusting the spacing of the ends of the fibers 150, 151, 152 is oriented along the axis Oz. As shown in FIG. 6e, the spacing between the ends of the fibers 150, 151, 152 can be measured through this orifice 115.
  • FIG. 7 Yet another embodiment of an opto-mechanical switch 200, according to the invention, is shown in FIG. 7. It is a four-way switch (1: 2), that is to say say comprising four movable fibers 251 associated respectively with four pairs of fixed fibers 250, 252. It comprises a housing 210 provided with grooves 214 parallel to each other and to the axis Ox. These grooves 214 form four channels, of diamond-shaped cross section, used to hold and guide eight fixed fibers 250, 252 and four mobile fibers 251. On each mobile fiber 251 is threaded a permanent magnet 220 similar to the permanent magnet 20 already described. Two stators 230, with two coils 240, constitute means common command for the simultaneous switching of the four mobile fibers 251.
  • Each stator 230 is a rectangular parallelepiped block, the length of which, parallel to the axis Oy, is greater than or equal to the size of the set of permanent magnets 220 in this direction.
  • Each stator 230 is provided with four metal pads 233, 234 similar to the pads 33, 34 described above.
  • Each series of four pads 233, 234 is placed on the same face of the stator 230, opposite the permanent magnets 220.
  • the coils 240 are wound around the stators 230, around the axis Oz.
  • the displacement of each of the movable fibers 251 is similar to that described above.
  • the mobile fibers 251 are held at the bottom of grooves 214 by the eight metal pads 233, 234.
  • FIG. 8 Another advantageous embodiment of an opto-mechanical switch 300 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 8. It is an eight-way switch (1: 2). It comprises a housing 310 provided with grooves 314, parallel to each other and to the axis Ox.
  • the grooves 314 form eight channels, of diamond-shaped cross section, used to hold and guide sixteen fixed fibers 350, 352 and eight mobile fibers 351.
  • the set of eight mobile fibers 351 to be switched is clamped between two permanent magnets 320.
  • These permanent magnets 320 are in the form of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped, the width of which, parallel to the axis Oz, is greater than or equal to the size of the optical fibers in this direction.
  • the magnets 320 are opposite stators 330, similar to the stators 230 described above.
  • Windings 340 similar to the windings 240 described above constitute, with the stators 330, common means for controlling all of the mobile fibers 351.
  • This particular embodiment of an eight-channel opto-mechanical switch (1: 2) has a high integration density.
  • the fibers 350, 351, 352, 125 ⁇ m in diameter, are spaced 250 ⁇ m apart. So we have eight fibers over a length of 2 mm.
  • a housing 410 similar in principle to the housing 10 described above, maintains at least one mobile fiber 451 and fibers fixed 450, 452, twice as numerous as the moving fibers 451.
  • This housing 410 is taken between the two branches of a U-shaped stator 430, which guides the magnetic flux generated by a coil 440.
  • An orifice 415 is formed in the housing 410, with its axis of symmetry parallel to the axis Oz.
  • the housing 410 consists of two guide elements 411, 412.
  • Each guide element 411, 412 is provided with a cavity 416, the orifice 415 and one or more grooves 414 capable of guiding and holding the optical fibers fixed 450, 452 and mobile 451.
  • the cavity 416 is generally annular and complementary to a permanent magnet 420 described below.
  • the fiber or all of the mobile fibers 451 are threaded onto the permanent magnet 420.
  • the latter is in the form of a flattened cylinder, with an axis parallel to the axis Oz, hollowed out with an opening 423 symmetrical with respect to the 'axis of said cylinder.
  • This opening 423 is of elongated shape, with two walls parallel to the plane xOz 424, connected by two semi-cylindrical portions 425 whose axis is parallel to Oz.
  • FIG. 9c shows a permanent magnet 420, in the slots 421 of which four movable fibers 451 have been threaded. For this type of configuration, the permanent magnet 420 of FIG.
  • each element of guide 411, 412 comprises four grooves 414 to receive eight fixed fibers 450, 452 and four mobile fibers 451.
  • This type of permanent magnet 420 different from those of the permanent magnets 20, 120 and 320 already described, is an illustrative example of the many types of magnets compatible with the present invention. It also shows that certain parts of the opto-mechanical device according to the invention can be designed to be compatible with various types of switches.
  • the opto-mechanical switch according to the invention can also evolve towards a type of selector 500 such as that shown in FIG. 10. It includes a housing 510 which is in the form of a flattened cylinder quarter delimited by three edges parallel to the Oz axis. Two 509 of these edges are formed by the planes which converge towards the central axis OO of said cylinder. The last edge 508 is that which forms the wall of said cylinder.
  • the housing 510 is provided with a recess 513 and a cavity 516.
  • the recess 513 comprises two walls 507 parallel to the edges 509 which converge towards the central axis OO.
  • These two walls 507 are joined near the central axis OO, by a wall 506, perpendicular to the perpendicular of said cylinder quarter, pierced in its center with a cylindrical hole, perpendicular to the wall 506, and adapted to guide and maintaining a movable fiber 551.
  • the two walls 507 are joined on the side opposite to the wall 506, by a curved wall 505 parallel to the edge 508. Between the wall 505 and the edge 508 two arcs of circles, concentric, centered on the axis central OO, delimit two walls of the cavity 516.
  • These last two walls are joined by semi-cylindrical portions and are sufficiently spaced to receive and let slide a permanent magnet 520.
  • the magnet 520 is similar to the permanent magnet 20 described above.
  • the housing 510 is provided with a number of grooves 514, for example 8. These grooves 514 extend, in a plane perpendicular to Oz, radially with respect to the central axis OO, between the wall 505 and the edge 508 The portion of the grooves 514 between the wall 505 and the cavity 516 guides and maintains the movable fiber 451. The portion of the grooves 514 between the cavity 516 and the edge 508 receives the free ends of the fixed fibers 550 and the end free of mobile fiber 551. Fiber mobile 551 is thus supported on four segments of the contact generators of the grooves 514, on either side of the recess 516, where the magnet 520 circulates.
  • This geometrical arrangement contributes to the good alignment of the end of the mobile fiber 551, facing each fiber 550.
  • the “gap” between the free ends of the fibers 550 and 551 can be observed from above, that is to say on the side of the open longitudinal face of the grooves 514, parallel to direction Oz.
  • the free ends of the fixed fibers 550 are held in the grooves 514 by a tab 504 in an arc of a circle, partially covering each fixed fiber 550.
  • the permanent magnet 520 is moved in the direction Oz, between two metallic pellets 533, 534 analogous in their shape and their function with the metal pellets 33, 34 already described.
  • pads 533, 534 are integral with a U-shaped stator 530, guiding the magnetic flux produced in a coil 540, between the two free ends of the branches of the U.
  • the mobile fiber assembly 551, permanent magnet 520, stator 530 and coil 540 is supported by arms 541, 542 extending radially from this assembly towards the central axis OO, to which they are perpendicular.
  • These arms 541, 542 are angularly movable around the central axis OO, the housing 510 remaining fixed.
  • One 541 of these two arms 541, 542 is integral with a part 543 consisting of a part 544 extending radially and parallel to the arm 541 and of a part 545 in an arc of a circle parallel to the edge 508.
  • This part 545 has two edges in an arc of concentric circles centered on the central axis OO. The outermost of these two edges relative to the central axis OO is provided with rack teeth 546 capable of cooperating with a pinion 547 of motor 580.
  • This motor 580 can be a stepping micro-motor. It ensures the angular positioning of the mobile fiber 551 with respect to the fixed fibers 550 which are located radially arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which coincides with the central axis OO.
  • the permanent magnet 520 ensures a movement along the axis Oz to disengage the mobile fiber 551 from the grooves 514 or wedge there.
  • This selector 500 therefore allows movement of the mobile fiber 551 in two perpendicular directions, one parallel to the axis of the permanent magnet 520, that is to say in the direction Oz, the other circular in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation collinear with the central axis OO.
  • the first movement makes it possible to exit or wedge and maintain the mobile fiber in the grooves 514 in a stable position while the second makes it possible to move from one groove 514 to another.
  • This opto-mechanical selector 500 allows multistable switching of the mobile fiber 551, in coaxiality with one of eight fixed fibers 550.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates some examples of mobile optical fiber switching matrices 651 threaded into a permanent magnet 620 comprising at least three opto-mechanical switches or selectors according to the invention.
  • FIG. 11 a represents a 2 to 2 matrix.
  • This matrix comprises four switching nodes arranged at the top of a quadrilateral. Each node consists of a switch (1: 2) according to the invention such as those described above. At each of these nodes arrives a mobile fiber 651.
  • Two fixed fibers 652 join two adjacent vertices on two opposite sides of the quadrilateral.
  • Two fixed fibers 650 join diagonally two nonadjacent vertices.
  • FIGS. 11b and 11c represent elementary single-element networks N (N-1). That of FIG. 11 b comprises three switches (1: 2) according to the invention such as those already described, which are arranged at the vertices of a triangle. A mobile fiber 651 arrives at each vertex. Three fixed fibers 650 connect the vertices two by two, thus forming central paths. Each 650 fixed fiber is in position 0 for a switch and in position 1 for the neighboring switch Each mobile fiber 651 behaves as an input / output and the three central paths order the possible shuffles
  • the device represented in FIG. 11c comprises five selectors (1 4) of the type described above. Each selector is located at a vertex of a pentagon A mobile fiber 651 arrives at each vertex Four fixed fibers 650 connect each vertex to the other four vertices So, from opto-mechanical selectors 1 to 4, we obtain an optical matrix 5 to 4, where for each of the five mobile fibers 651, four fixed fibers 650 of brewing give access to the other four mobile fibers 651 This configuration can be used on operating networks to quickly detect, identify and correct any optical continuity incident
  • opto-mechanical switches 1, 100, 200, 300, 400 and selectors 500 can be used for slow switching of all types of optical signals and securing fiber optic networks
  • the boxes 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 can be made entirely of brass, aluminum or plastics.
  • the fiber guiding functions can also be performed by etching of silicon or other semiconductors, using techniques developed for the manufacture of microstructures
  • the permanent magnets 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 can also be produced by injection plastics, for example with neodymium, with a plastic binder
  • the metal pellets 33, 34, 133, 134, 233, 234, 533, 534 and the metal blocks 330, 430 are preferably made of soft iron
  • Electromagnetic and mechanical control means have been described above, but the control means can also be pneumatic, fluidic, etc.
  • the bistable opto-mechanical switches (1 2) 1, 100 and (1 8) 500 of in general, can be multistable systems (1 n)
  • the opto-mechanical switches 1, 100, 200, 300, 400 and the selectors 500, according to the invention, are well suited to satisfy various applications such as securing, measurements, Y switches in distribution, switches mutual assistance for overflow networks and all types of particular routes.

Abstract

The invention concerns a bistable or multistable optical fibre (50, 51, 52) optomechanical switch (1) comprising at least one optical fibre (51) mobile relative to at least one fixed optical fibre (50, 52), a permanent magnet (20) threaded on the mobile fibre (51), means for controlling (40) the magnet (20) and the associated mobile fibre (51) displacement, means for maintaining (33, 34) the magnet and the associated mobile fibre (51) in any one of the stable positions.

Description

Commutateur pour fibres optiques Fiber optic switch
La présente invention concerne le domaine des télécommunications optiques. Plus précisément encore, la présente invention concerne un commutateur pour fibres optiques bistable ou multistable avec maintien magnétique.The present invention relates to the field of optical telecommunications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a switch for bistable or multistable optical fibers with magnetic hold.
Le développement des télécommunications par fibres optiques nécessite des moyens d'aiguillages optiques et des matrices de tels moyens. Plusieurs types de commutateurs opto-mécaniques ont été proposés pour remplir ces fonctions d'aiguillage. Ainsi, on connaît depuis 1982 (FR 2 523 363), un commutateur comportant un réflecteur optique mobile bistable. Ce réflecteur est porté par un élément mobile en rotation, bistable. Dans l'une des deux configurations stables de ce commutateur, le réflecteur intercepte un faisceau optique provenant d'une première fibre optique, pour le réfléchir dans l'axe d'une deuxième fibre optique. Dans l'autre configuration stable, le réflecteur laisse passer le faisceau optique vers une troisième fibre optique avec l'axe de laquelle il est aligné. Le passage d'une configuration à l'autre est commandé par un électro-aimant formé d'un noyau magnétique et d'une bobine enroulée autour de ce noyau. Au moins un aimant permanent, solidaire du réflecteur, interagit magnétiquement avec le noyau de l'électro-aimant pour faire basculer le réflecteur d'une configuration à l'autre, chacune des trois fibres restant fixe.The development of telecommunications by optical fibers requires optical switching means and matrices of such means. Several types of opto-mechanical switches have been proposed to fulfill these switching functions. Thus, since 1982 (FR 2 523 363), a switch comprising a bistable mobile optical reflector has been known. This reflector is carried by a movable element in rotation, bistable. In one of the two stable configurations of this switch, the reflector intercepts an optical beam coming from a first optical fiber, to reflect it in the axis of a second optical fiber. In the other stable configuration, the reflector allows the optical beam to pass to a third optical fiber with the axis of which it is aligned. The passage from one configuration to another is controlled by an electromagnet formed by a magnetic core and a coil wound around this core. At least one permanent magnet, integral with the reflector, interacts magnetically with the core of the electromagnet to switch the reflector from one configuration to another, each of the three fibers remaining fixed.
Une amélioration à ce type de commutateur optique bistable avec réflecteur a été proposée en 1984 (FR 2 572 546), permettant une plus grande compacité et facilitant l'intégration matricielle de ces dispositifs. Dans ce cas, deux aimants permanents forment un ensemble rigide mobile en rotation axiale par rapport à l'électro-aimant et disposé à proximité d'une des deux extrémités du noyau, ici cylindrique. Les deux aimants sont orientés de façon à présenter, en regard de cette extrémité, des faces magnétiques actives de polarités opposées et destinées à iπteragir magnétiquement avec l'extrémité du noyau. Les deux aimants sont disposés de part et d'autre de l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble. Cet axe de rotation est perpendiculaire à l'axe du noyau et décalé par rapport à celui- ci. Un des aimants interagit avec la face perpendiculaire à l'axe du noyau. L'autre aimant interagit avec une portion latérale du noyau, parallèle à l'axe de ce dernier. Dans ce type de dispositif les fibres sont encore fixes.An improvement to this type of bistable optical switch with reflector was proposed in 1984 (FR 2,572,546), allowing greater compactness and facilitating the matrix integration of these devices. In this case, two permanent magnets form a rigid assembly movable in axial rotation relative to the electromagnet and arranged near one of the two ends of the core, here cylindrical. The two magnets are oriented so as to present, opposite this end, active magnetic faces of opposite polarities and intended to interact magnetically with the end of the core. The two magnets are arranged on either side of the axis of rotation of the assembly. This axis of rotation is perpendicular to the axis of the core and offset from it. One of the magnets interacts with the face perpendicular to the axis of the nucleus. The other magnet interacts with a lateral portion of the core, parallel to the axis of the latter. In this type of device the fibers are still fixed.
Ces commutateurs à réflecteur optique présentent l'inconvénient de nécessiter la mise en oeuvre d'éléments de précision coûteux, à savoir des collimateurs et des moyens de déflexion optique tels que des miroirs ou des prismes. Aussi, a-t-on cherché à concevoir des dispositifs qui n'utilisent que des moyens de guidages optiques avec liaison directe entre fibres optiques. Le document FR 2 580 086 (1985) décrit un commutateur comprenant un électro-aimant fixe, dont le noyau cylindrique est pourvu d'un perçage axial, et un élément amagnétique apte à coulisser dans ce perçage. Cet élément amagnétique porte, à chacune de ses deux extrémités, un aimant permanent. Les deux aimants permanents présentent une face de polarité identique en regard du noyau. Une fibre optique mobile passe axialement dans l'élément amagnétique et est rendue solidaire de celui-ci. L'électro-aimant commande des déplacements axiaux d'une extrémité de la fibre mobile pour la mettre en continuité avec l'extrémité d'une fibre fixe.These optical reflector switches have the drawback of requiring the use of costly precision elements, namely collimators and optical deflection means such as mirrors or prisms. Also, has it been sought to design devices which use only optical guide means with direct connection between optical fibers. The document FR 2 580 086 (1985) describes a switch comprising a fixed electromagnet, the cylindrical core of which is provided with an axial bore, and a non-magnetic element capable of sliding in this bore. This non-magnetic element carries, at each of its two ends, a permanent magnet. The two permanent magnets have an identical polarity face opposite the core. A mobile optical fiber passes axially through the non-magnetic element and is made integral with the latter. The electromagnet controls axial displacements of one end of the mobile fiber to put it in continuity with the end of a fixed fiber.
Le brevet FR 2 639 128 (1988), propose une version améliorée du dispositif précédent, sous la forme d'un composant modulaire, avec une capacité de commutation (1 :N), c'est-à-dire où un signal provenant d'une première fibre peut être transmis à une seconde fibre parmi N. Ce dispositif est utilisable en tant que commutateur (1 :m), avec 1 < m < N, suivant les besoins, sans démonter tout le composant. Dans ce dernier type de dispositif, un bras radial tourne autour d'un axe. Une extrémité d'une première fibre mobile est placée à une extrémité de ce bras dans le plan de rotation du bras, et perpendiculairement à celui-ci. Dans ce type de dispositif, la commutation se fait par un mouvement de rotation de l'extrémité de la première fibre mobile. Dans une première position stable, une liaison optique est établie entre la première fibre optique mobile et une seconde fibre optique fixe Dans une seconde position stable, cette liaison est interrompue Le passage de la première position stable à la deuxième se fait par rotation du bras dans le sens qui permet d'éloigner, l'une de l'autre, les extrémités des fibres Les m secondes fibres optiques sont portées par un module mobile qui permet de placer une parmi des m secondes fibres, au regard de la première position stable de la première fibre mobile, pendant l'interruption de ladite liaison Avec de tels systèmes, les pertes d'insertion sont supérieures à 1 dB Dès le début des années 1980, S Nagaoka et autres (« Small-size optical switch using magnetic alloy coated fiber », OFC 84, New Orléans, USA, 1984, Technical digest, MB2) ont commencé à développer un autre type de dispositif Selon le principe décrit dans ce document, une fibre mobile est déplacée entre deux positions dans lesquelles elle est calée longitudinalement au fond de gorges en V. Ces gorges sont en vis-à-vis de manière à former un espace dont la section transverse est en forme de losange Dans l'une ou l'autre de ces deux positions, cette première fibre mobile établit une liaison optique respectivement avec une deuxième ou une troisième fibre fixe Chacune de ces deux fibres fixes est calée longitudmalement au fond des mêmes gorges en V, que celles dans lesquelles se cale la fibre mobile Le déplacement de la fibre mobile, dans l'une ou l'autre des gorges, se fait en polarisant de manière magnétiquement différente, un matériau magnétique, plaqué sur une zone de la fibre mobile en regard d'une bobine Dans un premier état de polarisation magnétique, la fibre mobile est attirée dans l'une des gorges, par un aimant permanent En inversant le sens du courant dans la bobine, la polarisation du matériau, sur la fibre mobile, est inversée et celle-ci est alors déplacée et maintenue dans l'autre gorge Cependant, un tel plaquage avec un matériau magnétiquement polansable tend à déformer la fibre optique et par conséquent, à augmenter les pertes par insertionPatent FR 2 639 128 (1988), proposes an improved version of the previous device, in the form of a modular component, with a switching capacity (1: N), that is to say where a signal coming from a first fiber can be transmitted to a second fiber among N. This device can be used as a switch (1: m), with 1 <m <N, as required, without dismantling the entire component. In the latter type of device, a radial arm rotates about an axis. One end of a first mobile fiber is placed at one end of this arm in the plane of rotation of the arm, and perpendicular to the latter. In this type of device, the switching is done by a rotational movement of the end of the first mobile fiber. In a stable first position, an optical link is established between the first mobile optical fiber and a second fixed optical fiber In a second stable position, this link is interrupted The passage from the first stable position to the second is made by rotation of the arm in the direction which allows moving the ends of the fibers away from each other The m second optical fibers are carried by a mobile module which makes it possible to place one of the m second fibers, with regard to the first stable position of the first mobile fiber, for interruption of said link With such systems, insertion losses are greater than 1 dB From the early 1980s, S Nagaoka and others (“Small-size optical switch using magnetic alloy coated fiber”, OFC 84, New Orléans, USA, 1984, Technical digest, MB2) began to develop another type of device According to the principle described in this document, a mobile fiber is moved between two positions in which it is wedged longitudinally at the bottom of V-shaped grooves. These grooves are opposite so as to form a space whose cross section is in the form of a diamond. In either of these two positions, this first fiber mobile establishes an optical link respectively with a second or a third fixed fiber Each of these two fixed fibers is wedged longitudinally at the bottom of the same V-shaped grooves, as those in which the mobile fiber is wedged The movement of the mobile fiber, in the one or the other of the grooves, is done by polarizing magnetically differently, a magnetic material, plated on an area of the mobile fiber opposite a coil In a first state of magnetic polarization, the mobile fiber is attracted in the one of the grooves, by a permanent magnet By reversing the direction of the current in the coil, the polarization of the material, on the mobile fiber, is reversed and this is then moved and maintained in the other gor However, such plating with a magnetically polansable material tends to deform the optical fiber and therefore to increase the insertion losses.
A la fin des années 1980, S Nagaoka proposait pour pallier cet inconvénient, de remplacer le plaquage précèdent par un tube en alliage micro-magnétique avec des directions de magnétisation inversables (« Latching type single-mode fibre switch », Electronics letters, 24th May 1990, vol. 26, No 11 ). Ce tube magnétique est constitué d'un alliage Fe-Ni, électro-déposé sur un tronçon de fibre de verre nue, préalablement métallisée avec de l'or. Le verre, après dépôt de l'alliage Ni-Fe, est dissout dans l'acide fluorhydrique, pour obtenir le cylindre creux qui est enfilé sur la fibre optique mobile.At the end of the 1980s, S Nagaoka proposed to overcome this drawback, to replace the previous plating with an alloy tube micro-magnetic with reversible magnetization directions ("Latching type single-mode fiber switch", Electronics letters, 24th May 1990, vol. 26, No 11). This magnetic tube is made of a Fe-Ni alloy, electro-deposited on a section of bare glass fiber, previously metallized with gold. The glass, after deposition of the Ni-Fe alloy, is dissolved in hydrofluoric acid, to obtain the hollow cylinder which is threaded on the mobile optical fiber.
Les dispositifs développés ultérieurement n'ont, tout au plus, retenu de ces dispositifs que le guidage des fibres dans des gorges en V. Pour mouvoir les fibres d'une position à une autre, des systèmes plus simples que ceux proposés par S. Nagaoka et autres ont été utilisés :The devices developed subsequently have, at most, retained from these devices only the guiding of the fibers in V grooves. To move the fibers from one position to another, simpler systems than those proposed by S. Nagaoka and others were used:
- dispositif manuel (« Commutateur de rubans à 8 fibres pour le raccordement », M. Sato, IEICE, Mars 1996),- manual device ("8-fiber ribbon switch for connection", M. Sato, IEICE, March 1996),
- un dispositif électromécanique (« Sélecteur de fibres optiques à haute densité avec une tête mobile et un réseau de fibres », T. Ibayashi,- an electromechanical device ("High density optical fiber selector with a moving head and a fiber network", T. Ibayashi,
IEICE, Septembre 1996).IEICE, September 1996).
Seul S. Nagaoka continue à perfectionner son commutateur à tube magnétiquement polarisable. Il est parvenu en 1996 à réduire les pertes d'insertion à 0,3 dB environ (« Conception d'un commutateur bistable en fibre monomode », S. Nagaoka, IEICE Cil, vol. J. 79, No 11 , NovembreOnly S. Nagaoka continues to perfect its magnetically polarizable tube switch. He succeeded in 1996 in reducing the insertion losses to around 0.3 dB ("Design of a bistable switch in single-mode fiber", S. Nagaoka, IEICE Cil, vol. J. 79, No 11, November
1996, p. 649 à 656).1996, p. 649 to 656).
Cependant, la réalisation de ce type de dispositif est délicate et onéreuse.However, the realization of this type of device is delicate and expensive.
La présente invention a pour objet un commutateur bistable ou multistable robuste, de fonctionnement fiable et économique en énergie, de réalisation simple et à un prix avantageux, avec des pertes d'insertion inférieures à 0,5 dB.The subject of the present invention is a robust bistable or multistable switch, of reliable and energy-saving operation, of simple construction and at an advantageous price, with insertion losses of less than 0.5 dB.
Plus précisément, l'invention est un commutateur opto-mécanique à fibre optique, bistable ou multistable comprenant : - au moins une fibre optique mobile par rapport à au moins une fibre optique fixe,More specifically, the invention is an opto-mechanical fiber optic switch, bistable or multistable comprising: - at least one optical fiber movable relative to at least one fixed optical fiber,
- un micro-aimant permanent enfilé sur la fibre mobile, - des moyens de commande de déplacement de l'aimant et de la fibre mobile associée,- a permanent micro-magnet threaded on the mobile fiber, means for controlling the movement of the magnet and of the associated mobile fiber,
- des moyens de maintien de l'aimant et de la fibre mobile associée dans l'une quelconque des positions stables. Plusieurs variantes de ce commutateur opto-mécanique peuvent être envisagées.- means for holding the magnet and the associated movable fiber in any one of the stable positions. Several variants of this opto-mechanical switch can be envisaged.
Selon l'une de ces variantes, le commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'invention comprend un boîtier constitué de deux éléments de guidage. Chaque élément de guidage étant en forme de parallélépipède rectangle avec au moins une rainure en V et au moins une cavité destinée à guider l'aimant permanent dans un déplacement perpendiculaire à ladite rainure en V.According to one of these variants, the opto-mechanical switch according to the invention comprises a housing made up of two guide elements. Each guide element being in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with at least one V-groove and at least one cavity intended to guide the permanent magnet in a movement perpendicular to said V-groove
Selon d'autres modes de réalisation de l'invention, les moyens de commande sont mécaniques ou comprennent un circuit électro- magnétique.According to other embodiments of the invention, the control means are mechanical or comprise an electromagnetic circuit.
Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, ledit boîtier est percé d'au moins un orifice permettant la visualisation de l'intervalle séparant chaque fibre mobile de chaque fibre fixe.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, said housing is pierced with at least one orifice allowing the viewing of the interval separating each mobile fiber from each fixed fiber.
Selon encore une autre caractéristique avantageuse, les moyens de maintien magnétiques sont formés de pastilles métalliques.According to yet another advantageous characteristic, the magnetic holding means are formed of metal pellets.
Un tel dispositif peut être associé à d'autres dispositifs du même type pour former des matrices de commutation plus complexes.Such a device can be combined with other devices of the same type to form more complex switching arrays.
Dans une autre réalisation avantageuse, un sélecteur optique multistable, permettant une commutation entre au moins une fibre mobile et au moins deux fibres fixes, peut être conçu pour que la commutation de chaque fibre mobile vers l'une des fibres fixes soit réalisée grâce à un dispositif opto-mécanique selon l'invention.In another advantageous embodiment, a multistable optical selector, allowing switching between at least one mobile fiber and at least two fixed fibers, can be designed so that the switching of each mobile fiber to one of the fixed fibers is carried out by means of a opto-mechanical device according to the invention.
Le dispositif opto-mécanique de commutation selon l'invention est décrit ci-après à l'aide d'exemples non limitatifs et avec des références aux dessins joints dans lesquels : - la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un commutateur opto- mécanique (1 :2), selon l'invention, avec moyen de commande électromagnétique,The opto-mechanical switching device according to the invention is described below with the aid of nonlimiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an opto-mechanical switch (1: 2), according to the invention, with electromagnetic control means,
- la figure 2 est une vue en perspective des deux éléments de guidage des fibres optiques, d'un boîtier d'un commutateur opto-mécanique- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the two optical fiber guide elements, of a housing of an opto-mechanical switch
(1 :2), selon l'invention, tel que représenté sur la figure 1 ,(1: 2), according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 1,
- la figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée, montrant la constitution interne du commutateur optique représenté sur la figure 1 ,FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal constitution of the optical switch shown in FIG. 1,
- la figure 4 est une vue en perspective, boîtier partiellement retiré, du commutateur optique représenté sur la figure 1 , mettant en évidence la possibilité de réglage de l'écartement entre les fibres,FIG. 4 is a perspective view, housing partially removed, of the optical switch shown in FIG. 1, showing the possibility of adjusting the spacing between the fibers,
- la figure 5 est un synopsis des opérations de commande d'un commutateur (1 :2) selon l'invention,FIG. 5 is a synopsis of the control operations of a switch (1: 2) according to the invention,
- la figure 6 concerne un commutateur opto-mécanique (1 :2) selon l'invention, avec des moyens de commande mécaniques, les figures 6a et- Figure 6 relates to an opto-mechanical switch (1: 2) according to the invention, with mechanical control means, Figures 6a and
6c sont des coupes longitudinales ll-ll dudit dispositif dans les deux états de commutation, les figures 6b et 6d sont des coupes transversales l-l, du même dispositif dans les deux états de commutation, la figure 6e est une vue de dessus dudit dispositif, - la figure 7 est une vue en perspective, boîtier partiellement retiré, d'un commutateur opto-mécanique (1 :2), à quatre voies, selon l'invention, avec un système de commande électromagnétique et avec quatre aimants permanents,6c are longitudinal sections ll-ll of said device in the two switching states, FIGS. 6b and 6d are transverse sections ll of the same device in the two switching states, FIG. 6e is a top view of said device, - FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially removed housing, of an opto-mechanical switch (1: 2), with four channels, according to the invention, with an electromagnetic control system and with four permanent magnets,
- la figure 8 est une vue en perspective, boîtier partiellement retiré, d'un commutateur opto-mécanique (1 :2), à huit voies, selon l'invention, avec un système de commande électromagnétique doté d'un aimant permanent commun à toutes les fibres mobiles,- Figure 8 is a perspective view, partially removed housing, of an opto-mechanical switch (1: 2), eight-way, according to the invention, with an electromagnetic control system with a permanent magnet common to all mobile fibers,
- la figure 9 montre des commutateurs opto-mécaniques avec un modèle d'aimant permanent avec fentes de guidage pour fibres mobiles, la figure 9a est une vue en perspective d'un commutateur (1 :2), selon l'invention, avec un moyen de commande électromagnétique, la figure 9b représente une vue en perspective éclatée et une vue en coupe, d'un commutateur (1 :2) avec un aimant avec fente, la figure 9c est une vue en perspective, boîtier partiellement retiré, d'un commutateur (1 :2) à quatre voies, avec un aimant permanent avec fente,- Figure 9 shows opto-mechanical switches with a permanent magnet model with guide slots for mobile fibers, Figure 9a is a perspective view of a switch (1: 2), according to the invention, with a electromagnetic control means, Figure 9b shows an exploded perspective view and a sectional view of a switch (1: 2) with a magnet with slot, FIG. 9c is a perspective view, housing partially removed, of a switch (1: 2) with four channels, with a permanent magnet with slot,
- la figure 10 est une vue en perspective d'un sélecteur (1 :8) selon l'invention,FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a selector (1: 8) according to the invention,
- la figure 11 représente trois types de matrices de commutation. Sur la figure 1 , est représenté un commutateur opto-mécanique 1- Figure 11 shows three types of switching matrices. In Figure 1, there is shown an opto-mechanical switch 1
(1 :2), selon l'invention. Il comprend un boîtier 10, un stator 30 et un bobinage 40. Il établit une commutation entre une fibre mobile 51 et l'une respectivement des deux fibres fixes 50 et 52.(1: 2), according to the invention. It comprises a housing 10, a stator 30 and a winding 40. It establishes a switching between a mobile fiber 51 and one respectively of the two fixed fibers 50 and 52.
Le boîtier 10 comprend deux éléments de guidage 11 et 12. Comme illustré sur la figure 2, chaque élément de guidage 11 ou 12 est un bloc parallélépipédique rectangle allongé avec une rainure en V 14, un orifice 15 et une cavité 16. Dans un système d'axes (O, x, y, z) orthogonal, la rainure 14 s'étend parallèlement à l'axe Ox sur une face longitudinale 13. L'orifice 15 et la cavité 16 traversent chaque élément de guidage 11 ou 12, dans sa région médiane, respectivement parallèlement à Oy et Oz, de part en part.The housing 10 comprises two guide elements 11 and 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each guide element 11 or 12 is an elongated rectangular parallelepiped block with a V-groove 14, an orifice 15 and a cavity 16. In a system axes (O, x, y, z) orthogonal, the groove 14 extends parallel to the axis Ox on a longitudinal face 13. The orifice 15 and the cavity 16 pass through each guide element 11 or 12, in its middle region, respectively parallel to Oy and Oz, right through.
La coupe transverse de la rainure 14, de chaque élément de guidage 11 ou 12, forme un triangle équilatéral dans lequel peut s'inscrire un cercle de diamètre égal à celui d'une fibre nue 50, 51 ou 52.The transverse section of the groove 14, of each guide element 11 or 12, forms an equilateral triangle in which can be inscribed a circle of diameter equal to that of a bare fiber 50, 51 or 52.
L'orifice 15 est un hémi-cylindre de révolution. L'axe de cet orifice 15 est contenu dans le plan défini par la face longitudinale 13. Cet orifice 15 coupe donc transversalement la rainure 14. La cavité 16 est un cylindre de révolution autour d'un axe centré par rapport à la largeur de la face 13. Le diamètre de la cavité 16 est adapté pour recevoir un aimant permanent 20 avec juste le jeu nécessaire et suffisant pour que l'aimant 20 coulisse librement dans la cavité 16, parallèlement à Oz (figure 3). L'aimant permanent 20 est un cylindre de révolution avec deux faces planes orthogonales à son axe de révolution. Dans sa partie médiane, il est percé d'un trou 21. Ce trou 21 est aussi cylindrique, de révolution, et son axe coupe perpendiculairement celui de l'aimant permanent 20. Ce trou 21 a un diamètre supérieur au diamètre externe d'une fibre 51 nue, de manière à laisser un jeu entre ladite fibre 52 et la paroi interne dudit trou 21.The orifice 15 is a semi-cylinder of revolution. The axis of this orifice 15 is contained in the plane defined by the longitudinal face 13. This orifice 15 therefore transversely cuts the groove 14. The cavity 16 is a cylinder of revolution around an axis centered with respect to the width of the face 13. The diameter of the cavity 16 is adapted to receive a permanent magnet 20 with just the necessary and sufficient clearance for the magnet 20 to slide freely in the cavity 16, parallel to Oz (FIG. 3). The permanent magnet 20 is a cylinder of revolution with two plane faces orthogonal to its axis of revolution. In its middle part, it is pierced with a hole 21. This hole 21 is also cylindrical, of revolution, and its axis cuts perpendicularly to that of the permanent magnet 20. This hole 21 has a diameter greater than the external diameter of a bare fiber 51, so as to leave a clearance between said fiber 52 and the internal wall of said hole 21.
L'une 51 de ces fibres est destinée à être mobile dans le boîtier 10. Un tube 54 de diamètre interne complémentaire du diamètre externe de la fibre mobile 51 est enfilé sur celle-ci. Le diamètre externe de ce tube 54 est tel que lorsqu'il est placé dans la rainure 14, son axe, confondu avec celui de la fibre mobile 51 , est contenu dans le plan défini par la face longitudinale 13. L'aimant permanent 20 est aussi enfilé sur cette fibre mobile 51 , par le trou 21. L'aimant permanent 20 est placé à proximité d'une 55 des extrémités libres de la fibre mobile 51 , laissant émerger la partie terminale de cette extrémité 55. La fibre mobile 51 est alors placée dans la rainure 14 de l'élément de guidage 11 , avec l'aimant permanent 20 dans la cavité 16, les axes de l'aimant permanent 20 et de la cavité 16 étant confondus. Un espace sur la fibre mobile 51 est ménagé entre l'aimant permanent 20 et l'extrémité la plus proche du tube 54, de manière à profiter de la souplesse de la fibre 51 pour la mouvoir entre les rainures 14 lorsqu'elles sont en vis-à-vis. Mais, cette extrémité du tube 54, doit aussi reposer dans la rainure 14. L'extrémité libre 55 de la fibre mobile 51 est amenée à proximité de l'axe de l'orifice 15.One 51 of these fibers is intended to be mobile in the housing 10. A tube 54 of internal diameter complementary to the external diameter of the mobile fiber 51 is threaded thereon. The external diameter of this tube 54 is such that when it is placed in the groove 14, its axis, coincident with that of the movable fiber 51, is contained in the plane defined by the longitudinal face 13. The permanent magnet 20 is also threaded on this mobile fiber 51, through the hole 21. The permanent magnet 20 is placed near one 55 of the free ends of the mobile fiber 51, leaving the terminal part of this end 55 emerging. The mobile fiber 51 is then placed in the groove 14 of the guide element 11, with the permanent magnet 20 in the cavity 16, the axes of the permanent magnet 20 and the cavity 16 being coincident. A space on the movable fiber 51 is provided between the permanent magnet 20 and the nearest end of the tube 54, so as to take advantage of the flexibility of the fiber 51 to move it between the grooves 14 when they are in screw opposite. However, this end of the tube 54 must also rest in the groove 14. The free end 55 of the movable fiber 51 is brought close to the axis of the orifice 15.
Une première fibre fixe 50 est amenée dans la rainure 14 de l'élément de guidage 11 , en prolongement de la fibre mobile 51 , avec l'une de ses extrémités libres à proximité de l'axe de l'orifice 15. Une deuxième fibre fixe 52 est placée parallèlement à la première fibre fixe 50 au droit de cette dernière, dans la direction Oz, l'une de ses extrémités libres alignée sur l'extrémité libre de la première fibre fixe 50 se trouvant dans l'orifice 15.A first fixed fiber 50 is brought into the groove 14 of the guide element 11, in extension of the movable fiber 51, with one of its free ends close to the axis of the orifice 15. A second fiber fixed 52 is placed parallel to the first fixed fiber 50 in line with the latter, in the direction Oz, one of its free ends aligned with the free end of the first fixed fiber 50 located in the orifice 15.
L'élément de guidage 12 est alors amené sur l'élément de guidageThe guide element 12 is then brought to the guide element
11 , leurs rainures 14, leurs orifices 15 et leurs cavités 16 étant en vis-à-vis.11, their grooves 14, their orifices 15 and their cavities 16 being opposite.
De cette manière, l'ensemble des deux fibres fixes 50 et 52 est étroitement maintenu en place dans un espace 17 ayant une section transverse en forme de losange (figure 4), constitué par la combinaison des deux rainures en V 14. Comme illustré sur la figure 4, les moyens de commande comprennent un circuit électro-magnétique, avec un stator 30 et un bobinage 40. Le stator 30 comprend deux éléments 31 et 32 de stator. Chaque élément 31 ou 32 de stator est formé d'une plaque rigide, de largeur inférieure, dans la direction Oy, à la dimension des éléments de guidage 11 ou 12. Préférentiellement, cette largeur est approximativement égale au diamètre de l'aimant permanent 20.In this way, the assembly of the two fixed fibers 50 and 52 is tightly held in place in a space 17 having a diamond-shaped cross section (FIG. 4), formed by the combination of the two V-grooves 14. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control means comprise an electromagnetic circuit, with a stator 30 and a winding 40. The stator 30 comprises two elements 31 and 32 of the stator. Each stator element 31 or 32 is formed of a rigid plate, of smaller width, in the direction Oy, to the dimension of the guide elements 11 or 12. Preferably, this width is approximately equal to the diameter of the permanent magnet 20 .
Les éléments 31 et 32 de stator sont plies en forme de L, ils comportent donc chacun deux branches, l'une est parallèle à l'axe Ox, l'autre est parallèle à l'axe Oz.The stator elements 31 and 32 are bent in an L shape, they therefore each have two branches, one is parallel to the axis Ox, the other is parallel to the axis Oz.
Les extrémités libres des branches parallèles à Ox, de chaque élément de stator 31 ou 32 sont munies d'une pastille métallique 33 ou 34. Chaque pastille métallique 33 ou 34 est en forme de disque dont l'axe est perpendiculaire à la surface de l'élément 31 ou 32 de stator, parallèle à l'axe Ox. Le diamètre de ce disque est approximativement égal au diamètre de l'aimant permanent 20, et complémentaire de celui de la cavité 16.The free ends of the branches parallel to Ox, of each stator element 31 or 32 are provided with a metal pad 33 or 34. Each metal pad 33 or 34 is in the form of a disc whose axis is perpendicular to the surface of the stator element 31 or 32, parallel to the Ox axis. The diameter of this disc is approximately equal to the diameter of the permanent magnet 20, and complementary to that of the cavity 16.
La branche parallèle à Oz de l'élément 32 du stator 30 est munie d'une encoche 36, centrée sur le bord de l'extrémité libre de l'élément 32, opposée à celle munie de la pastille métallique 34. La largeur de l'encoche 36 est approximativement égale au diamètre externe du tube 54. La profondeur de l'encoche 36 est légèrement supérieure à ce diamètre.The branch parallel to Oz of the element 32 of the stator 30 is provided with a notch 36, centered on the edge of the free end of the element 32, opposite to that provided with the metal pad 34. The width of the the notch 36 is approximately equal to the external diameter of the tube 54. The depth of the notch 36 is slightly greater than this diameter.
La branche parallèle à Oz de l'élément 31 du stator 30 est munie d'une dent 35 venue de matière, centrée sur le bord de l'extrémité libre dudit élément 31 , opposé à celui muni de la pastille 34. La largeur de la dent 35 est complémentaire de celle de l'encoche 36. Sa longueur est complémentaire du diamètre externe du tube 34, dans l'encoche 36.The branch parallel to Oz of the element 31 of the stator 30 is provided with a tooth 35 made of material, centered on the edge of the free end of said element 31, opposite to that provided with the pad 34. The width of the tooth 35 is complementary to that of the notch 36. Its length is complementary to the external diameter of the tube 34, in the notch 36.
L'élément 31 de stator est plaqué sur l'élément de guidage 11 , de manière à recouvrir partiellement les deux faces orthogonales, parallèles aux plans xOy et yOz, du côté du boîtier 10 renfermant la fibre mobile 51. L'élément 32 de stator est plaqué sur l'élément de guidage 12 de manière symétrique par rapport au plan xOy, à l'élément 31 de stator. Les longueurs des branches des éléments 31 et 32 de stator, munies respectivement des pastilles métalliques 33 et 34, sont telles que lesdites pastilles 33 et 34 viennent au regard de la cavité 16.The stator element 31 is pressed against the guide element 11, so as to partially cover the two orthogonal faces, parallel to the planes xOy and yOz, on the side of the housing 10 containing the movable fiber 51. The stator element 32 is pressed against the guide element 12 symmetrically with respect to the xOy plane, to the stator element 31. The lengths of the branches of the stator elements 31 and 32, provided respectively with metal pads 33 and 34, are such that said pads 33 and 34 come facing the cavity 16.
Un élément conducteur est ensuite enroulé autour du stator 30, autour de l'axe Ox, pour former le bobinage 40.A conductive element is then wound around the stator 30, around the axis Ox, to form the winding 40.
Le stator relie les pastilles métalliques 33 ou 34 et permet ainsi la fermeture du flux magnétique. Le passage d'un courant électrique dans le bobinage 40 génère selon le sens de celui-ci, les polarités nord-sud des flux dans les branches du stator 30. L'un des deux pôles de l'aimant permanent 20 est attiré par l'une des pastilles 33, 34. La face de l'aimant 20 correspondant à ce pôle, et perpendiculaire à l'axe dudit aimant 20 se trouve à proximité de ladite pastille 33, 34. Mais, la longueur de l'aimant permanent 20 est telle qu'un léger espace d'entrefer est ménagé entre l'aimant 20 et ladite pastille 33, 34. Ainsi l'attraction de ces deux éléments maintient la fibre 51 , appuyée au fond de la rainure 14 correspondante.The stator connects the metal pads 33 or 34 and thus allows the closure of the magnetic flux. The passage of an electric current in the winding 40 generates, in the direction of the latter, the north-south polarities of the fluxes in the branches of the stator 30. One of the two poles of the permanent magnet 20 is attracted by the 'one of the pads 33, 34. The face of the magnet 20 corresponding to this pole, and perpendicular to the axis of said magnet 20 is located near said pad 33, 34. However, the length of the permanent magnet 20 is such that a slight air gap is provided between the magnet 20 and said pad 33, 34. Thus the attraction of these two elements maintains the fiber 51, supported at the bottom of the corresponding groove 14.
Le stator peut aussi avoir une position angulaire différente par rapport au boîtier 10. Il peut être tourné de 90° autour d'un axe parallèle à Ox, par rapport à la position décrite précédemment, les pastilles métalliques 33 ou 34 restant à la même place sur leur axe respectif et commun à l'aimant permanent 20. Un emballage métallique, ayant pour fonction d'obtenir un meilleur rendement de captage du flux magnétique, peut être placé autour de l'ensemble boîtier 10, stator 30 et bobinage 40, mais n'est pas représenté sur les figures. Ce sont les pastilles métalliques 33 et 34 qui assurent, par attraction de l'aimant permanent 20, les moyens de maintien magnétique à mémoire.The stator can also have a different angular position relative to the housing 10. It can be rotated 90 ° around an axis parallel to Ox, relative to the position described above, the metal pads 33 or 34 remaining in the same place on their respective axis and common to the permanent magnet 20. A metal package, having the function of obtaining a better efficiency of capturing the magnetic flux, can be placed around the housing 10, stator 30 and winding 40 assembly, but is not shown in the figures. These are the metal pads 33 and 34 which, by attraction of the permanent magnet 20, provide the magnetic retaining means with memory.
L'orifice 15 a pour fonction de permettre un réglage dynamique de l'écartement du raccord entre, respectivement, l'extrémité de la fibre mobile 51 et les extrémités des fibres fixes 50 et 52 lorsque la fibre mobile 51 est mise en coaxialité avec l'une des deux fibres fixes 50 ou 52. Cet écartement, entre l'extrémité libre des fibres, encore appelé « gap », doit être de l'ordre 2 à 3 μm. C'est une variable sur laquelle on peut intervenir afin d'obtenir un meilleur bilan des liaisons et une diminution des pertes d'insertion. L'ajustement de cet écartement est effectué sous un microscope binoculaire 60, éventuellement muni d'un écran de contrôle, au travers de l'orifice 15. Les figures 4a, 4b et 4c sont des représentations des vues que l'on peut avoir des extrémités des fibres 50, 51 , 52, au travers de l'orifice 15 grâce au microscope binoculaire 60. Sur la figure 4a, la fibre mobile 51 est en coaxialité avec la fibre fixe 52. Sur la figure 4b, la fibre mobile 51 est en coaxialité avec la fibre fixe 50. Sur la figure 4c, la fibre mobile 51 est en coaxialité avec la fibre fixe 50, mais avec un écartement entre leurs extrémités différent de celui représenté sur la figure 4b. Le réglage de cet écartement s'effectue par translation de la fibre mobile 51 ou de l'une des fibres fixes 50 ou 52, dans les rainures 14, selon l'axe desdites fibres optiques 50, 51 , 52. La description géométrique du commutateur 1 ci-dessus est purement illustrative. Elle ne doit pas être prise dans un sens limitatif. C'est un exemple parmi de nombreuses solutions possibles. Par exemple, l'orifice 15 peut être polygonal, de même que la cavité 16 et l'aimant permanent 20. L'orifice 15 est par ailleurs facultatif. On peut envisager encore d'autres variantes.The orifice 15 has the function of allowing dynamic adjustment of the spacing of the connection between, respectively, the end of the mobile fiber 51 and the ends of the fixed fibers 50 and 52 when the mobile fiber 51 is placed in coaxiality with the 'one of the two fixed fibers 50 or 52. This spacing between the free end of the fibers, also called "gap", must be of the order of 2 to 3 μm. It is a variable on which we can intervene in order to obtain a better balance sheet of the links and a reduction in insertion losses. The adjustment of this spacing is carried out under a binocular microscope 60, possibly provided with a control screen, through the orifice 15. FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c are representations of the views that one can have of the ends of the fibers 50, 51, 52, through the orifice 15 thanks to the binocular microscope 60. In FIG. 4a, the mobile fiber 51 is in coaxiality with the fixed fiber 52. In FIG. 4b, the mobile fiber 51 is in coaxiality with the fixed fiber 50. In FIG. 4c, the mobile fiber 51 is in coaxiality with the fixed fiber 50, but with a spacing between their ends different from that shown in FIG. 4b. The adjustment of this spacing is carried out by translation of the movable fiber 51 or one of the fixed fibers 50 or 52, in the grooves 14, along the axis of said optical fibers 50, 51, 52. The geometric description of the switch 1 above is purely illustrative. It should not be taken in a limiting sense. This is one example among many possible solutions. For example, the orifice 15 may be polygonal, as well as the cavity 16 and the permanent magnet 20. The orifice 15 is also optional. We can still consider other variants.
Le principe de fonctionnement du commutateur opto-mécanique 1 précédemment décrit est le suivant.The operating principle of the opto-mechanical switch 1 previously described is as follows.
Il repose sur le fait qu'il y a attraction entre chacun des pôles longitudinaux de l'aimant 20 et chaque pastille 33, 34. On joue sur la distance entre chaque pôle et la pastille 33, 34 qui lui fait face, l'attraction entre eux diminuant quand la distance qui les sépare, augmente.It is based on the fact that there is attraction between each of the longitudinal poles of the magnet 20 and each pad 33, 34. We play on the distance between each pole and the pad 33, 34 which faces it, the attraction between them decreasing when the distance between them increases.
Dans une position initiale, l'aimant permanent 20 est attiré par l'une des pastilles métalliques 33 ou 34. Un léger espace d'entrefer e est ménagé entre l'aimant 20 et la plus proche pastille métallique 33 ou 34. Cette force d'attraction f (e) est transmise à la fibre mobile 51 qui est alors maintenue appuyée au fond de la rainure en V 14. L'aimant permanent 20 est ainsi dans un état stable. Cet état ne consomme pas d'énergie, la quantité de flux magnétique contenue dans l'aimant permanent 20 suffisant à ce maintien stable. Pour le dégager de cette position stable, il faut une impulsion de tension + u aux bornes du bobinage 40, capable de repousser la polarité qui attirait la plus proche pastille métallique 33 ou 34, pour se mettre en position stable de maintien dans un autre état. L'aimant permanent 20 ne peut réagir qu'en contrariant l'effort de maintien. Une mauvaise tension confirme son état sans lui faire changer de position. Ceci constitue une garantie qui prend son importance lors du traitement de circuits de sécurité ou de chemins d'aiguillages particuliers. Avec une tension u de polarité convenable, l'aimant permanent 20 est repoussé de la plus proche pastille 33 ou 34, pour se rapprocher de l'autre pastille 34 ou 33. Dans cette nouvelle position, l'aimant permanent 20 est toujours séparé de la pastille métallique 34 ou 33, par un léger espace d'entrefer e. L'aimant permanent 20 transmet alors une force f (e) à la fibre mobile 51 et la maintient appuyée au fond de la rainure 14. Cette nouvelle position est aussi stable que la première. L'impulsion de tension nécessaire au mouvement de navette de l'aimant permanent 20 étant terminée, la fibre mobile 51 est maintenue dans cette position sans consommation d'énergie. Le commutateur 1 prend donc une position d'aiguillage optique en 0 ou 1 , en fonction de la tension + u de commande aux bornes du bobinage 40. Cette tension + u de commande est elle-même en accord avec l'information numérisée d'un organe de commande 70. Cette transmission de l'information de l'organe de commande 70 au commutateur 1 est schématiquement représentée sur la figure 5. Dans un autre mode de réalisation du commutateur opto-mécaniqueIn an initial position, the permanent magnet 20 is attracted by one of the metal pads 33 or 34. A slight air gap e is provided between the magnet 20 and the nearest metal pad 33 or 34. This force d attraction f (e) is transmitted to the mobile fiber 51 which is then kept pressed against the bottom of the V-groove 14. The permanent magnet 20 is thus in a stable state. This state does not consume energy, the quantity of magnetic flux contained in the permanent magnet 20 sufficient for this stable maintenance. To release it from this stable position, a voltage pulse + u is required at the terminals of the winding 40, capable of repelling the polarity which attracted the closest metallic pad 33 or 34, to put itself in the stable position of maintaining in another state. . The permanent magnet 20 can only react by opposing the holding force. A bad voltage confirms his condition without making him change position. This constitutes a guarantee which becomes important when dealing with safety circuits or special switch paths. With a voltage u of suitable polarity, the permanent magnet 20 is pushed back from the nearest pad 33 or 34, to approach the other pad 34 or 33. In this new position, the permanent magnet 20 is always separated from the metal patch 34 or 33, by a slight air gap e. The permanent magnet 20 then transmits a force f (e) to the mobile fiber 51 and keeps it pressed against the bottom of the groove 14. This new position is as stable as the first. The voltage pulse necessary for the shuttle movement of the permanent magnet 20 being completed, the movable fiber 51 is maintained in this position without consuming energy. The switch 1 therefore takes an optical switch position at 0 or 1, as a function of the control voltage + u at the terminals of the winding 40. This control voltage + u is itself in agreement with the digitized information of a control member 70. This transmission of information from the control member 70 to the switch 1 is schematically represented in FIG. 5. In another embodiment of the opto-mechanical switch
1 , selon l'invention, les moyens de commande sont mécaniques. Ce type de commutateur opto-mécanique 100 est représenté sur la figure 6. Sur la figure 6a, le boîtier 110 est légèrement modifié par rapport au boîtier 10 précédemment décrit. D'une part, le boîtier 110 est muni de supports 118, 119. Les supports 118, 119 sont des saillies venues de matière, s'étendant radialement perpendiculairement au plan xOy, aux extrémités d'éléments de guidage 111 , 112, du côté d'une fibre mobile 151. A chacun de ces supports 118, 119 est fixée l'extrémité d'une lame flexible 138, 139. L'autre extrémité libre de chacune de ces lames 138, 139 est munie de pastilles métalliques 133, 134 analogues aux pastilles métalliques 33, 34 précédemment décrites. Un étrier 137 relie lesdites extrémités libres de ces lames 138, 139 et permet de maintenir constante, la distance entre les pastilles métalliques 133 et 134. Sur la figure 6a, un aimant permanent 120 est maintenu en position stable, à proximité de la pastille métallique 133. La figure 6b montre que dans cette position, la fibre mobile 151 est plaquée dans le fond d'une rainure 114, en coaxialité avec une fibre fixe 150. En écartant mécaniquement la pastille métallique 133 qui attire l'aimant permanent 120, de celui-ci, ou en appuyant sur la lame 139, au niveau de l'étrier 137, la pastille métallique 134 est approchée de l'aimant permanent 120. Les jeux d'entrefer s'inversent alors et l'aimant est attiré à proximité de la pastille métallique 134 où il reste à nouveau en position stable. Cette nouvelle position est illustrée par les figures 6c et 6d. La figure 6d, en particulier montre que, dans cette nouvelle position, la fibre mobile 151 est maintenue en coaxialité avec la fibre fixe 152.1, according to the invention, the control means are mechanical. This type of opto-mechanical switch 100 is shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6a, the housing 110 is slightly modified compared to the housing 10 previously described. On the one hand, the housing 110 is provided with supports 118, 119. The supports 118, 119 are protrusions made of material, extending radially perpendicular to the plane xOy, at the ends of elements guide 111, 112, on the side of a movable fiber 151. To each of these supports 118, 119 is fixed the end of a flexible blade 138, 139. The other free end of each of these blades 138, 139 is provided with metal pellets 133, 134 similar to the metallic pellets 33, 34 previously described. A stirrup 137 connects said free ends of these blades 138, 139 and makes it possible to maintain constant, the distance between the metal pellets 133 and 134. In FIG. 6a, a permanent magnet 120 is maintained in a stable position, close to the metallic pad 133. FIG. 6b shows that in this position, the mobile fiber 151 is pressed into the bottom of a groove 114, in coaxiality with a fixed fiber 150. By mechanically spreading the metal pad 133 which attracts the permanent magnet 120, the latter, or by pressing on the blade 139, at the level of the stirrup 137, the metal pad 134 is approached to the permanent magnet 120. The airgaps then reverse and the magnet is attracted close of the metal pellet 134 where it again remains in a stable position. This new position is illustrated by Figures 6c and 6d. FIG. 6d, in particular shows that, in this new position, the mobile fiber 151 is maintained in coaxiality with the fixed fiber 152.
D'autre part, un orifice 115 de réglage de l'écartement des extrémités des fibres 150, 151 , 152 est orienté selon l'axe Oz. Comme représenté sur la figure 6e, l'écartement entre les extrémités des fibres 150, 151 , 152 peut être mesuré au travers de cet orifice 115.On the other hand, an orifice 115 for adjusting the spacing of the ends of the fibers 150, 151, 152 is oriented along the axis Oz. As shown in FIG. 6e, the spacing between the ends of the fibers 150, 151, 152 can be measured through this orifice 115.
Encore un autre mode de réalisation d'un commutateur opto- mécanique 200, selon l'invention, est représenté sur la figure 7. Il s'agit d'un commutateur (1 :2) à quatre voies, c'est-à-dire comprenant quatre fibres mobiles 251 associées respectivement à quatre paires de fibres fixes 250, 252. Il comprend un boîtier 210 muni de rainures 214 parallèles entre elles et à l'axe Ox. Ces rainures 214 forment quatre canaux, de section transverse en forme de losange, servant à maintenir et guider huit fibres fixes 250, 252 et quatre fibres mobiles 251. Sur chaque fibre mobile 251 est enfilé un aimant permanent 220 analogue à l'aimant permanent 20 déjà décrit. Deux stators 230, avec deux bobinages 240, constituent des moyens communs de commande de la commutation simultanée des quatre fibres mobiles 251. Chaque stator 230 est un bloc parallélépipédique rectangle, dont la longueur, parallèle à l'axe Oy, est supérieure ou égale à l'encombrement de l'ensemble des aimants permanents 220 dans cette direction. Chaque stator 230 est muni de quatre pastilles métalliques 233, 234 analogues aux pastilles 33, 34 décrites ci-dessus. Chaque série de quatre pastilles 233, 234 est placée sur la même face du stator 230, en vis- à-vis des aimants permanents 220. Les bobinages 240 sont enroulés autour des stators 230, autour de l'axe Oz. Le déplacement de chacune des fibres mobiles 251 est analogue à celui décrit précédemment. Le maintien des fibres mobiles 251 au fond de rainures 214 est assuré par les huit pastilles métalliques 233, 234.Yet another embodiment of an opto-mechanical switch 200, according to the invention, is shown in FIG. 7. It is a four-way switch (1: 2), that is to say say comprising four movable fibers 251 associated respectively with four pairs of fixed fibers 250, 252. It comprises a housing 210 provided with grooves 214 parallel to each other and to the axis Ox. These grooves 214 form four channels, of diamond-shaped cross section, used to hold and guide eight fixed fibers 250, 252 and four mobile fibers 251. On each mobile fiber 251 is threaded a permanent magnet 220 similar to the permanent magnet 20 already described. Two stators 230, with two coils 240, constitute means common command for the simultaneous switching of the four mobile fibers 251. Each stator 230 is a rectangular parallelepiped block, the length of which, parallel to the axis Oy, is greater than or equal to the size of the set of permanent magnets 220 in this direction. Each stator 230 is provided with four metal pads 233, 234 similar to the pads 33, 34 described above. Each series of four pads 233, 234 is placed on the same face of the stator 230, opposite the permanent magnets 220. The coils 240 are wound around the stators 230, around the axis Oz. The displacement of each of the movable fibers 251 is similar to that described above. The mobile fibers 251 are held at the bottom of grooves 214 by the eight metal pads 233, 234.
Une autre réalisation avantageuse d'un commutateur opto- mécanique 300 selon l'invention est représentée sur la figure 8. Il s'agit d'un commutateur (1 :2) à huit voies. Il comprend un boîtier 310 muni de rainures 314, parallèles entre elles et à l'axe Ox. Les rainures 314 forment huit canaux, de section transverse en forme de losange, servant à maintenir et guider seize fibres fixes 350, 352 et huit fibres mobiles 351. L'ensemble des huit fibres mobiles 351 à commuter est pris en pince entre deux aimants permanents 320. Ces aimants permanents 320 sont en forme de parallélépipède rectangle allongé, dont la largeur, parallèle à l'axe Oz, est supérieure ou égale à l'encombrement des fibres optiques dans cette direction.Another advantageous embodiment of an opto-mechanical switch 300 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 8. It is an eight-way switch (1: 2). It comprises a housing 310 provided with grooves 314, parallel to each other and to the axis Ox. The grooves 314 form eight channels, of diamond-shaped cross section, used to hold and guide sixteen fixed fibers 350, 352 and eight mobile fibers 351. The set of eight mobile fibers 351 to be switched is clamped between two permanent magnets 320. These permanent magnets 320 are in the form of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped, the width of which, parallel to the axis Oz, is greater than or equal to the size of the optical fibers in this direction.
Les aimants 320 sont en vis-à-vis de stators 330, analogues aux stators 230 décrits ci-dessus. Des bobinages 340, analogues aux bobinages 240 décrits ci-dessus constituent avec les stators 330 des moyens communs de commande de l'ensemble des fibres mobiles 351.The magnets 320 are opposite stators 330, similar to the stators 230 described above. Windings 340, similar to the windings 240 described above constitute, with the stators 330, common means for controlling all of the mobile fibers 351.
Ce mode de réalisation particulier de commutateur opto-mécanique (1 :2) à huit voies, a une forte densité d'intégration. Les fibres 350, 351 , 352, de 125 μm de diamètre, sont espacées de 250 μm. On a donc huit fibres sur une longueur de 2 mm. Comme illustré sur la figure 9a, dans encore un autre mode de réalisation du commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'invention, un boîtier 410, analogue dans son principe au boîtier 10 décrit ci-dessus, maintient au moins une fibre mobile 451 et des fibres fixes 450, 452, deux fois plus nombreuses que les fibres mobiles 451. Ce boîtier 410 est pris entre les deux branches d'un stator 430 en forme de U, qui guide le flux magnétique généré par un bobinage 440. Un orifice 415, analogue par sa fonction à l'orifice 15 décrit ci-dessus, est ménagé dans le boîtier 410, avec son axe de symétrie parallèle à l'axe Oz. Le boîtier 410 est constitué de deux éléments de guidage 411 , 412. Chaque élément de guidage 411 , 412 est muni d'une cavité 416, de l'orifice 415 et d'une ou plusieurs rainures 414 apte à guider et maintenir les fibres optiques fixes 450, 452 et mobiles 451. La cavité 416 est globalement annulaire et complémentaire d'un aimant permanent 420 décrit ci-dessous. La fibre ou l'ensemble des fibres mobiles 451 sont enfilées sur l'aimant permanent 420. Celui-ci est en forme de cylindre aplati, d'axe parallèle à l'axe Oz, creusé d'une ouverture 423 symétrique par rapport à l'axe dudit cylindre. Cette ouverture 423 est de forme allongée, avec deux parois parallèles 424 au plan xOz, reliées par deux portions hémicylindriques 425 dont l'axe est parallèle à Oz.This particular embodiment of an eight-channel opto-mechanical switch (1: 2) has a high integration density. The fibers 350, 351, 352, 125 μm in diameter, are spaced 250 μm apart. So we have eight fibers over a length of 2 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 9a, in yet another embodiment of the opto-mechanical switch according to the invention, a housing 410, similar in principle to the housing 10 described above, maintains at least one mobile fiber 451 and fibers fixed 450, 452, twice as numerous as the moving fibers 451. This housing 410 is taken between the two branches of a U-shaped stator 430, which guides the magnetic flux generated by a coil 440. An orifice 415, similar by its function at the orifice 15 described above, is formed in the housing 410, with its axis of symmetry parallel to the axis Oz. The housing 410 consists of two guide elements 411, 412. Each guide element 411, 412 is provided with a cavity 416, the orifice 415 and one or more grooves 414 capable of guiding and holding the optical fibers fixed 450, 452 and mobile 451. The cavity 416 is generally annular and complementary to a permanent magnet 420 described below. The fiber or all of the mobile fibers 451 are threaded onto the permanent magnet 420. The latter is in the form of a flattened cylinder, with an axis parallel to the axis Oz, hollowed out with an opening 423 symmetrical with respect to the 'axis of said cylinder. This opening 423 is of elongated shape, with two walls parallel to the plane xOz 424, connected by two semi-cylindrical portions 425 whose axis is parallel to Oz.
Deux fentes 421 , en vis-à-vis, aptes à être traversées, avec un jeu, par au moins une fibre mobile 451 , de manière à la ou les déplacer selon la direction de l'axe dudit cylindre aplati, sont ménagées dans l'aimant permanent 420, au regard des portions hémicylindriques 425 (figure 9b). Elles assurent donc la même fonction que le trou 21 décrit ci-dessus. La cavité 416 est apte à recevoir et laisser coulisser l'aimant permanent 420 dans la direction parallèle à l'axe Oz. La figure 9c montre un aimant permanent 420, dans les fentes 421 desquelles ont été enfilées quatre fibres mobiles 451. Pour ce type de configuration, l'aimant permanent 420 de la figure 9b et décrit ci-dessus est conservé, par contre chaque élément de guidage 411 , 412 comprend quatre rainures 414 afin de recevoir huit fibres fixes 450, 452 et quatre fibres mobiles 451. Ce type d'aimant permanent 420, différent de ceux des aimants permanents 20, 120 et 320 déjà décrits, est un exemple illustratif des nombreux types d'aimants compatibles avec la présente invention. Il montre aussi que certaines pièces du dispositif opto-mécanique selon l'invention peuvent être conçues pour être compatibles avec divers types de commutateurs.Two slots 421, facing each other, capable of being traversed, with play, by at least one movable fiber 451, so as to or move them in the direction of the axis of said flattened cylinder, are provided in the permanent magnet 420, with respect to the semi-cylindrical portions 425 (FIG. 9b). They therefore perform the same function as the hole 21 described above. The cavity 416 is able to receive and allow the permanent magnet 420 to slide in the direction parallel to the axis Oz. FIG. 9c shows a permanent magnet 420, in the slots 421 of which four movable fibers 451 have been threaded. For this type of configuration, the permanent magnet 420 of FIG. 9b and described above is preserved, however each element of guide 411, 412 comprises four grooves 414 to receive eight fixed fibers 450, 452 and four mobile fibers 451. This type of permanent magnet 420, different from those of the permanent magnets 20, 120 and 320 already described, is an illustrative example of the many types of magnets compatible with the present invention. It also shows that certain parts of the opto-mechanical device according to the invention can be designed to be compatible with various types of switches.
Le commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'invention peut aussi évoluer vers un type de sélecteur 500 tel que celui représenté sur la figure 10. Il comprend un boîtier 510 qui se présente sous forme d'un quartier de cylindre aplati délimité par trois bords parallèles à l'axe Oz. Deux 509 de ces bords sont formés par les plans qui convergent vers l'axe central O-O dudit cylindre. Le dernier bord 508 est celui qui forme la paroi dudit cylindre. Le boîtier 510 est muni d'un évidement 513 et d'une cavité 516. L'évidement 513 comprend deux parois 507 parallèles aux bords 509 qui convergent vers l'axe central O-O. Ces deux parois 507 sont jointes à proximité de l'axe central O-O, par une paroi 506, perpendiculaire à la médiatrice dudit quartier de cylindre, percée en son centre d'un trou cylindrique, perpendiculaire à la paroi 506, et adapté pour guider et maintenir une fibre mobile 551. Les deux parois 507 sont jointes du côté opposé à la paroi 506, par une paroi courbe 505 parallèle au bord 508. Entre la paroi 505 et le bord 508 deux arcs de cercles, concentriques, centrés sur l'axe central O-O, délimitent deux parois de la cavité 516. Ces deux dernières parois sont jointes par des portions hémicylindriques et sont suffisamment espacées pour recevoir et laisser coulisser un aimant permanent 520. L'aimant 520 est similaire à l'aimant permanent 20 décrit ci-dessus. Le boîtier 510 est muni d'un certain nombre de rainures 514, par exemple 8. Ces rainures 514 s'étendent, dans un plan perpendiculaire à Oz, radialement par rapport à l'axe central O-O, entre la paroi 505 et le bord 508. La portion des rainures 514 comprise entre la paroi 505 et la cavité 516, guide et maintient la fibre mobile 451. La portion des rainures 514 comprise entre la cavité 516 et le bord 508 reçoit les extrémités libres des fibres fixes 550 et l'extrémité libre de la fibre mobile 551. La fibre mobile 551 est ainsi appuyée sur quatre segments des génératrices de contact des rainures 514, de part et d'autre de l'évidement 516, où circule l'aimant 520. Cette disposition géométrique contribue au bon alignement de l'extrémité de la fibre mobile 551 , face à chaque fibre 550. L'observation du «gap» entre les extrémités libres des fibres 550 et 551 peut être effectuée en vue de dessus, c'est à dire du côté de la face longitudinale ouverte des rainures 514, parallèlement à la direction Oz. Les extrémités libres des fibres fixes 550 sont maintenues dans les rainures 514 par une patte 504 en arc de cercle, recouvrant partiellement chaque fibre fixe 550. L'aimant permanent 520 est déplacé dans la direction Oz, entre deux pastilles métalliques 533, 534 analogues dans leur forme et leur fonction aux pastilles métalliques 33, 34 déjà décrites. Ces pastilles 533, 534 sont solidaires d'un stator 530 en forme de U, guidant le flux magnétique produit dans un bobinage 540, entre les deux extrémités libres des branches du U. L'ensemble fibre mobile 551 , aimant permanent 520, stator 530 et bobinage 540 est soutenu par des bras 541 , 542 s'étendant radialement de cet ensemble vers l'axe central O-O, auquel ils sont perpendiculaires. Ces bras 541 , 542 sont mobiles angulairement autour de l'axe central O-O, le boîtier 510 restant fixe. L'un 541 de ces deux bras 541 , 542 est solidaire d'une pièce 543 constituée d'une partie 544 s'étendant radialement et parallèlement au bras 541 et d'une partie 545 en arc de cercle parallèle au bord 508. Cette partie 545 comporte deux bords en arc de cercles concentriques centrés sur l'axe central O-O. Le plus externe de ces deux bords par rapport à l'axe central O-O est muni de dents 546 de crémaillère aptes à coopérer avec un pignon 547 de moteur 580. Ce moteur 580 peut être un micro-moteur pas à pas. Il assure le positionnement angulaire de la fibre mobile 551 par rapport aux fibres fixes 550 qui se trouvent radialement disposées dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation, qui est confondu avec l'axe central O-O. L'aimant permanent 520 assure un mouvement selon l'axe Oz pour dégager la fibre mobile 551 des rainures 514 ou l'y caler. Ce sélecteur 500 permet donc un mouvement de la fibre mobile 551 dans deux directions perpendiculaires, l'une parallèle à l'axe de l'aimant permanent 520, c'est-à-dire dans la direction Oz, l'autre circulaire dans le plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation colinéaire à l'axe central O-O. Le premier mouvement permet de sortir ou caler et maintenir la fibre mobile dans les rainures 514 en position stable alors que le deuxième permet de passer d'une rainure 514 à une autre.The opto-mechanical switch according to the invention can also evolve towards a type of selector 500 such as that shown in FIG. 10. It includes a housing 510 which is in the form of a flattened cylinder quarter delimited by three edges parallel to the Oz axis. Two 509 of these edges are formed by the planes which converge towards the central axis OO of said cylinder. The last edge 508 is that which forms the wall of said cylinder. The housing 510 is provided with a recess 513 and a cavity 516. The recess 513 comprises two walls 507 parallel to the edges 509 which converge towards the central axis OO. These two walls 507 are joined near the central axis OO, by a wall 506, perpendicular to the perpendicular of said cylinder quarter, pierced in its center with a cylindrical hole, perpendicular to the wall 506, and adapted to guide and maintaining a movable fiber 551. The two walls 507 are joined on the side opposite to the wall 506, by a curved wall 505 parallel to the edge 508. Between the wall 505 and the edge 508 two arcs of circles, concentric, centered on the axis central OO, delimit two walls of the cavity 516. These last two walls are joined by semi-cylindrical portions and are sufficiently spaced to receive and let slide a permanent magnet 520. The magnet 520 is similar to the permanent magnet 20 described above. above. The housing 510 is provided with a number of grooves 514, for example 8. These grooves 514 extend, in a plane perpendicular to Oz, radially with respect to the central axis OO, between the wall 505 and the edge 508 The portion of the grooves 514 between the wall 505 and the cavity 516 guides and maintains the movable fiber 451. The portion of the grooves 514 between the cavity 516 and the edge 508 receives the free ends of the fixed fibers 550 and the end free of mobile fiber 551. Fiber mobile 551 is thus supported on four segments of the contact generators of the grooves 514, on either side of the recess 516, where the magnet 520 circulates. This geometrical arrangement contributes to the good alignment of the end of the mobile fiber 551, facing each fiber 550. The “gap” between the free ends of the fibers 550 and 551 can be observed from above, that is to say on the side of the open longitudinal face of the grooves 514, parallel to direction Oz. The free ends of the fixed fibers 550 are held in the grooves 514 by a tab 504 in an arc of a circle, partially covering each fixed fiber 550. The permanent magnet 520 is moved in the direction Oz, between two metallic pellets 533, 534 analogous in their shape and their function with the metal pellets 33, 34 already described. These pads 533, 534 are integral with a U-shaped stator 530, guiding the magnetic flux produced in a coil 540, between the two free ends of the branches of the U. The mobile fiber assembly 551, permanent magnet 520, stator 530 and coil 540 is supported by arms 541, 542 extending radially from this assembly towards the central axis OO, to which they are perpendicular. These arms 541, 542 are angularly movable around the central axis OO, the housing 510 remaining fixed. One 541 of these two arms 541, 542 is integral with a part 543 consisting of a part 544 extending radially and parallel to the arm 541 and of a part 545 in an arc of a circle parallel to the edge 508. This part 545 has two edges in an arc of concentric circles centered on the central axis OO. The outermost of these two edges relative to the central axis OO is provided with rack teeth 546 capable of cooperating with a pinion 547 of motor 580. This motor 580 can be a stepping micro-motor. It ensures the angular positioning of the mobile fiber 551 with respect to the fixed fibers 550 which are located radially arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which coincides with the central axis OO. The permanent magnet 520 ensures a movement along the axis Oz to disengage the mobile fiber 551 from the grooves 514 or wedge there. This selector 500 therefore allows movement of the mobile fiber 551 in two perpendicular directions, one parallel to the axis of the permanent magnet 520, that is to say in the direction Oz, the other circular in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation collinear with the central axis OO. The first movement makes it possible to exit or wedge and maintain the mobile fiber in the grooves 514 in a stable position while the second makes it possible to move from one groove 514 to another.
La notion de bistabilité du maintien magnétique est transformée en stabilité selon des axes rayonnants correspondant aux positions des fibres fixes 550. Ce sélecteur opto-mécanique 500 permet une commutation multistable de la fibre mobile 551 , en coaxialité d'une parmi huit fibres fixes 550.The notion of bistability of the magnetic holding is transformed into stability along radiating axes corresponding to the positions of the fixed fibers 550. This opto-mechanical selector 500 allows multistable switching of the mobile fiber 551, in coaxiality with one of eight fixed fibers 550.
Avec des commutateurs (1 :2) élémentaires 1 , 100 ou des sélecteurs optiques 500, il est possible de concevoir de nombreuses matrices de commutation.With elementary switches (1: 2) 1, 100 or optical selectors 500, it is possible to design numerous switching matrices.
La figure 11 illustre quelques exemples de matrices de commutation à fibre optique mobile 651 enfilée dans un aimant permanent 620 comprenant au moins trois commutateurs ou sélecteurs opto-mécaniques selon l'invention. En particulier, la figure 11 a représente une matrice 2 vers 2. Cette matrice comprend quatre noeuds de commutation disposés au sommet d'un quadrilatère. Chaque noeud est constitué d'un commutateur (1 :2) selon l'invention tel que ceux décrits ci-dessus. A chacun de ces noeuds arrive une fibre mobile 651. Deux fibres fixes 652 joignent deux sommets adjacents sur deux côtés opposés du quadrilatère. Deux fibres fixes 650 joignent en diagonale deux sommets non adjacents.FIG. 11 illustrates some examples of mobile optical fiber switching matrices 651 threaded into a permanent magnet 620 comprising at least three opto-mechanical switches or selectors according to the invention. In particular, FIG. 11 a represents a 2 to 2 matrix. This matrix comprises four switching nodes arranged at the top of a quadrilateral. Each node consists of a switch (1: 2) according to the invention such as those described above. At each of these nodes arrives a mobile fiber 651. Two fixed fibers 652 join two adjacent vertices on two opposite sides of the quadrilateral. Two fixed fibers 650 join diagonally two nonadjacent vertices.
Les figures 11b et 11c représentent des réseaux unifaciaux élémentaires N (N-1 ). Celui de la figure 11 b comprend trois commutateurs (1 :2) selon l'invention tels ceux déjà décrits, qui sont disposés aux sommets d'un triangle. Une fibre mobile 651 arrive à chaque sommet. Trois fibres fixes 650 relient les sommets deux à deux formant ainsi des chemins centraux. Chaque fibre fixe 650 est dans la position 0 pour un commutateur et dans la position 1 pour le commutateur voisin Chaque fibre mobile 651 se comporte en entrée/sortie et les trois chemins centraux ordonnent les brassages possiblesFIGS. 11b and 11c represent elementary single-element networks N (N-1). That of FIG. 11 b comprises three switches (1: 2) according to the invention such as those already described, which are arranged at the vertices of a triangle. A mobile fiber 651 arrives at each vertex. Three fixed fibers 650 connect the vertices two by two, thus forming central paths. Each 650 fixed fiber is in position 0 for a switch and in position 1 for the neighboring switch Each mobile fiber 651 behaves as an input / output and the three central paths order the possible shuffles
Le dispositif représenté sur la figure 11 c comprend cinq sélecteurs (1 4) du type de celui décrit ci-dessus Chaque sélecteur est situé à un sommet de pentagone Une fibre mobile 651 arrive à chaque sommet Quatre fibres fixes 650 relient chaque sommet aux quatre autres sommets Donc, à partir de sélecteurs opto-mécaniques 1 vers 4, on obtient une matrice optique 5 vers 4, où pour chacune des cinq fibres mobiles 651 , quatre fibres fixes 650 de brassage donnent accès aux quatre autres fibres mobiles 651 Cette configuration peut être utilisée sur des réseaux d'exploitation pour déceler, identifier et corriger rapidement tout incident de continuité optiqueThe device represented in FIG. 11c comprises five selectors (1 4) of the type described above. Each selector is located at a vertex of a pentagon A mobile fiber 651 arrives at each vertex Four fixed fibers 650 connect each vertex to the other four vertices So, from opto-mechanical selectors 1 to 4, we obtain an optical matrix 5 to 4, where for each of the five mobile fibers 651, four fixed fibers 650 of brewing give access to the other four mobile fibers 651 This configuration can be used on operating networks to quickly detect, identify and correct any optical continuity incident
D'une manière générale les commutateurs opto-mécaniques 1 , 100, 200, 300, 400 et sélecteurs 500, peuvent être utilisés en commutation lente de tous types de signaux optiques et la sécurisation des réseaux à fibre optiqueGenerally speaking, opto-mechanical switches 1, 100, 200, 300, 400 and selectors 500 can be used for slow switching of all types of optical signals and securing fiber optic networks
Les boîtiers 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 peuvent être entièrement réalisés en laiton, aluminium ou par plasturgie Les fonctions de guidage de fibres peuvent également être réalisées par gravure de silicium ou d'autres semi-conducteurs, en ayant recours aux techniques développées pour la fabrication de microstructuresThe boxes 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 can be made entirely of brass, aluminum or plastics. The fiber guiding functions can also be performed by etching of silicon or other semiconductors, using techniques developed for the manufacture of microstructures
Les aimants permanents 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 peuvent aussi être réalisés par plasturgie à injection, par exemple avec du neodyme, avec un liant plastiqueThe permanent magnets 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 can also be produced by injection plastics, for example with neodymium, with a plastic binder
Les pastilles métalliques 33, 34, 133, 134, 233, 234, 533, 534 et les blocs métalliques 330, 430 sont préférentiellement en fer douxThe metal pellets 33, 34, 133, 134, 233, 234, 533, 534 and the metal blocks 330, 430 are preferably made of soft iron
Il a été décrit ci-dessus des moyens de commande électromagnétiques et mécaniques, mais les moyens de commande peuvent être aussi pneumatiques, fluidiques, etc Les commutateurs opto- mécaniques bistables (1 2) 1 , 100 et (1 8) 500, d'une manière générale, peuvent être des systèmes multistables (1 n) Les commutateurs opto-mécaniques 1 , 100, 200, 300, 400 et les sélecteurs 500, selon l'invention, sont bien adaptés pour satisfaire à diverses applications telles que la sécurisation, les mesures, les basculements Y en répartition, les aiguillages d'entraide pour les réseaux de débordement et tous les types de routages particuliers. Electromagnetic and mechanical control means have been described above, but the control means can also be pneumatic, fluidic, etc. The bistable opto-mechanical switches (1 2) 1, 100 and (1 8) 500, of in general, can be multistable systems (1 n) The opto-mechanical switches 1, 100, 200, 300, 400 and the selectors 500, according to the invention, are well suited to satisfy various applications such as securing, measurements, Y switches in distribution, switches mutual assistance for overflow networks and all types of particular routes.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Commutateur opto-mécanique (1 ) à fibre optique (50, 51 , 52), bistable ou multistable comprenant : - au moins une fibre optique mobile (51 ) par rapport à au moins une fibre optique fixe (50, 52),1. Opto-mechanical switch (1) with optical fiber (50, 51, 52), bistable or multistable comprising: - at least one mobile optical fiber (51) relative to at least one fixed optical fiber (50, 52),
- un aimant permanent (20) enfilé sur la fibre mobile (51 ),- a permanent magnet (20) threaded on the mobile fiber (51),
- des moyens de commande de déplacement de l'aimant (20) et de la fibre mobile (51) associée, - des moyens de maintien (33, 34) de l'aimant (20) et de la fibre mobile (51 ) associée dans l'une quelconque des positions stables.- means for controlling the movement of the magnet (20) and the associated movable fiber (51), - means for holding (33, 34) the magnet (20) and the associated movable fiber (51) in any of the stable positions.
2. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un boîtier (10) constitué de deux éléments de guidage (11 , 12), chaque élément de guidage (11 , 12) étant en forme de parallélépipède rectangle avec au moins une rainure en V (14) et au moins une cavité (16) destinée à guider l'aimant permanent (20) dans un déplacement perpendiculaire à ladite rainure en V (14).2. Opto-mechanical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a housing (10) consisting of two guide elements (11, 12), each guide element (11, 12) being in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with at least one V-groove (14) and at least one cavity (16) intended to guide the permanent magnet (20) in a movement perpendicular to said V-groove (14).
3. Commutateur opto-mécanique (1 ) selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que les moyens de commande comprennent un circuit électromagnétique (40).3. Opto-mechanical switch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means comprise an electromagnetic circuit (40).
4. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de commande sont mécaniques.4. Opto-mechanical switch according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the control means are mechanical.
5. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'aimant permanent (20) est un cylindre de révolution, avec deux faces planes orthogonales audit axe de révolution, percé d'un trou (21 ) dans sa partie médiane, ledit trou (21 ) étant un cylindre de révolution dont l'axe coupe perpendiculairement celui de l'aimant (20), et le diamètre dudit trou (21 ) étant supérieur au diamètre externe d'une fibre (51 ) nue de manière à laisser un jeu entre ladite fibre (51 ) et la paroi interne dudit trou (21 ). 5. Opto-mechanical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the permanent magnet (20) is a cylinder of revolution, with two plane faces orthogonal to said axis of revolution, pierced with a hole (21) in its middle part, said hole (21) being a cylinder of revolution whose axis cuts perpendicularly to that of the magnet (20), and the diameter of said hole (21) being greater than the external diameter of a fiber (51) bare so as to leave a clearance between said fiber (51) and the internal wall of said hole (21).
6. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de maintien magnétiques sont formés de pastilles métalliques (33, 34), en forme de disque dont le diamètre est approximativement égal à celui de l'aimant permanent (20).6. Opto-mechanical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic holding means are formed of metal pellets (33, 34), disc-shaped whose diameter is approximately equal to that of the permanent magnet (20).
7. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une fibre mobile (351 ) est prise en pince entre deux aimants permanents (320), communs à la ou les fibre(s) mobile(s) (351 ). 7. Opto-mechanical switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one mobile fiber (351) is clamped between two permanent magnets (320), common to the fiber (s) ) mobile (s) (351).
8. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il constitue un moyen de commutation (1 :2) d'au moins une fibre mobile (51 ) vers au moins deux fibres fixes (50, 52).8. Opto-mechanical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it constitutes a switching means (1: 2) from at least one mobile fiber (51) to at least two fixed fibers (50, 52).
9. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'une quelconque, ou plusieurs prises en combinaison, des revendications 1 à 3 et 5 à 8, caractérisé en ce que deux stators (230, 330) et deux bobinages (240, 340) constituent des moyens communs de commande de la commutation simultanée de plusieurs fibres mobiles (251 , 351 ).9. Opto-mechanical switch according to any one, or several sockets in combination, of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 8, characterized in that two stators (230, 330) and two windings (240, 340) constitute means control units for the simultaneous switching of several mobile fibers (251, 351).
10. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'une quelconque, ou plusieurs prises en combinaison, des revendications 1 à 4, 6 et 8, caractérisé en ce que l'aimant permanent (420) est en forme de cylindre aplati, avec deux fentes (421 ) aptes à être traversées, avec un jeu, par au moins une fibre mobile (451 ) de manière à déplacer ladite ou lesdites fibre(s) (451 ) selon la direction de l'axe dudit cylindre aplati. 10. Opto-mechanical switch according to any one, or several sockets in combination, of claims 1 to 4, 6 and 8, characterized in that the permanent magnet (420) is in the form of a flattened cylinder, with two slots ( 421) capable of being traversed, with play, by at least one mobile fiber (451) so as to move said fiber (s) (451) in the direction of the axis of said flattened cylinder.
11. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un ensemble de deux fibres fixes (50, 52) est étroitement maintenu dans un espace (17) ayant une section transverse en forme de losange, constitué par la combinaison de deux rainures en V (14). 11. Opto-mechanical switch according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one set of two fixed fibers (50, 52) is tightly held in a space (17) having a cross section in the form of a diamond, constituted by the combination of two V-shaped grooves (14).
12. Commutateur opto-mécanique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 11 , caractérisé en ce que le boîtier (10) est percé d'au moins un orifice (15) permettant la visualisation de l'intervalle séparant chaque fibre mobile (51 ) de chaque fibre fixe (50, 52).12. Opto-mechanical switch according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the housing (10) is pierced with at least one orifice (15) allowing the visualization of the interval separating each mobile fiber (51) from each fixed fiber (50, 52).
13. Sélecteur optique multistable (500) permettant une commutation entre au moins une fibre mobile (551 ) et au moins deux fibres fixes (550), caractérisé en ce que la commutation de chaque fibre mobile (551 ) vers l'une des fibres fixes (550) est réalisée grâce à un commutateur opto- mécanique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.13. Multistable optical selector (500) allowing switching between at least one mobile fiber (551) and at least two fixed fibers (550), characterized in that the switching of each mobile fiber (551) to one of the fixed fibers (550) is produced by an opto-mechanical switch according to any one of the preceding claims.
14. Sélecteur optique selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un ensemble fibre mobile (551 ), aimant permanent (520), stator (530) et bobinage (540) soutenu par des bras (541 , 542) mobiles angulairement autour d'un axe O-O par rapport à un boîtier (510) fixe.14. Optical selector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a movable fiber assembly (551), permanent magnet (520), stator (530) and coil (540) supported by arms (541, 542) angularly movable about an axis OO relative to a fixed housing (510).
15. Sélecteur optique selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que l'un (541 ) des bras est solidaire d'une pièce (543) munie de dents (546) de crémaillère aptes à coopérer avec un pignon (547) de moteur (580) qui assure un positionnement angulaire de la fibre mobile (551 ) par rapport aux fibres fixes (550) qui se trouvent radialement disposées dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation.15. Optical selector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one (541) of the arms is integral with a part (543) provided with teeth (546) of rack capable of cooperating with a pinion (547) of motor ( 580) which ensures angular positioning of the mobile fiber (551) relative to the fixed fibers (550) which are located radially arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
16. Sélecteur optique selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'il permet un mouvement de la fibre mobile (551 ) dans deux directions perpendiculaires, l'une parallèle à l'axe de l'aimant permanent (520) et l'autre circulaire, dans ledit plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation.16. Optical selector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it allows movement of the movable fiber (551) in two perpendicular directions, one parallel to the axis of the permanent magnet (520) and the other circular, in said plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
17. Sélecteur optique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 16, caractérisé en ce qu'il permet une commutation multistable d'une fibre mobile (551 ) en coaxialité d'une parmi huit fibres fixes (550).17. An optical selector according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that it allows multistable switching of a mobile fiber (551) in coaxiality with one of eight fixed fibers (550).
18. Matrice de commutation à fibre optique mobile, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins trois commutateurs ou sélecteurs opto- mécaniques (1 ) selon l'une des revendications précédentes.18. Mobile optical fiber switching matrix, characterized in that it comprises at least three opto-mechanical switches or selectors (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
19. Matrice de commutation, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend quatre noeuds de commutation constitués chacun d'un commutateur (1 :2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8 et 10 à 12. 19. Switching matrix, characterized in that it comprises four switching nodes each consisting of a switch (1: 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and 10 to 12.
20. Réseau unifacial, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend trois commutateurs (1 :2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8 et 10 à 12.20. Single-family network, characterized in that it comprises three switches (1: 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and 10 to 12.
21. Réseau unifacial, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend cinq sélecteurs (1 :4) selon les revendications 13 à 16. 21. Single-family network, characterized in that it comprises five selectors (1: 4) according to claims 13 to 16.
EP98945365A 1997-09-25 1998-09-23 Switch for optical fibres Withdrawn EP1018047A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9711948 1997-09-25
FR9711948A FR2768820B1 (en) 1997-09-25 1997-09-25 SWITCH FOR OPTICAL FIBERS
PCT/FR1998/002041 WO1999015924A1 (en) 1997-09-25 1998-09-23 Switch for optical fibres

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EP1018047A1 true EP1018047A1 (en) 2000-07-12

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98945365A Withdrawn EP1018047A1 (en) 1997-09-25 1998-09-23 Switch for optical fibres

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EP (1) EP1018047A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2768820B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999015924A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2910915A1 (en) * 1979-03-20 1980-10-02 Siemens Ag Magnetically operated switch for optical conductor - enables one conductor to be deflected by permanent magnet sliding out from behind screen plate
JPS587601A (en) * 1981-07-07 1983-01-17 Fujitsu Ltd Optical switch
FR2580086B1 (en) * 1985-04-03 1987-05-29 Gentric Alain
US5000532A (en) * 1988-08-02 1991-03-19 At&T Bell Laboratories Optical fiber switch
US4946236A (en) * 1989-05-30 1990-08-07 At&T Bell Laboratories Movable fiber optical switch
US5434936A (en) * 1993-09-17 1995-07-18 Seiko Instruments Inc. Mechanical optical switch

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9915924A1 *

Also Published As

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WO1999015924A1 (en) 1999-04-01
FR2768820A1 (en) 1999-03-26
FR2768820B1 (en) 1999-12-10

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